Final answer:
The nurse should prioritize monitoring the patient's blood pressure and heart rate after a below-the-knee amputation to assess for potential complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should consider monitoring blood pressure and heart rate as a priority when caring for a patient immediately after a below-the-knee amputation. This is because an amputation surgery can place stress on the patient's cardiovascular system. Monitoring the patient's vital signs can help identify any potential complications such as bleeding or decreased cardiac output.
While assessing the patient's emotional response to the surgery is important for their overall well-being, it is not the priority immediately after the surgery. Examining the residual limb for signs of infection is necessary but can be done after addressing the immediate cardiovascular concerns. Evaluating the patient's dietary preferences is important for their nutritional needs, but it is not a priority immediately after the surgery.