Final answer:
A phlebotomist would avoid drawing blood from the legs and feet of a patient with diabetes mellitus due to the increased risk of complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
A phlebotomist would avoid the legs and feet of a patient who has diabetes mellitus due to the increased risk of complications associated with the disease. Diabetes can lead to damage of blood vessels and nerves, reducing circulation to the limbs and causing a loss of sensation in the hands and feet. This combination increases the risk of injury, infection, and tissue death. In severe cases, amputations may be necessary. Therefore, it is safer for a phlebotomist to avoid the legs and feet when drawing blood from a patient with diabetes mellitus.