What should be monitored every 15 minutes during the administration of IV oxytocin?

Monitoring the fetal heart rate every 15 minutes during the administration of IV oxytocin is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Oxytocin is a medication frequently used to induce labor or augment contractions during delivery, which can significantly affect the fetus's well-being.

The reason fetal heart rate monitoring is emphasized is that oxytocin can lead to increased uterine contractions. These contractions can potentially cause fetal distress if they are too strong, too frequent, or if there are any complications arising from them, such as uteroplacental insufficiency. Continuous or regular monitoring allows healthcare providers to identify any signs of fetal distress early, enabling timely interventions if needed, such as adjusting the oxytocin dosage or implementing emergency measures.

While monitoring other factors like the client's pain level, urinary output, and maternal weight can also be important during labor, they do not directly impact the immediate safety and health of the fetus in the same way that fetal heart rate monitoring does during oxytocin administration. Therefore, the focus is on the fetal heart rate to promptly assess and respond to any potential complications during this critical time.