A nurse is monitoring a laboring person who is receiving oxytocin for labor induction. What is the priority assessment during oxytocin infusion?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: assess uterine tone. This is the priority assessment during oxytocin infusion because oxytocin can cause uterine hyperstimulation, leading to fetal distress. By assessing uterine tone regularly, the nurse can detect any signs of hyperstimulation early and take appropriate action to prevent complications. Monitoring fetal heart rate (A) is important but assessing uterine tone takes precedence as it directly impacts fetal well-being. Maternal vital signs (B) are important but are not as directly related to the safety of the fetus during oxytocin infusion. Monitoring for signs of uterine hyperstimulation (D) is essential, but assessing uterine tone is the proactive approach to detect hyperstimulation before it escalates.