What should be monitored when administering oxygen to avoid complications?

Monitoring the duration of oxygen exposure is crucial to avoid complications, particularly oxygen toxicity and associated respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of supplemental oxygen can lead to damage in lung tissue and may provoke conditions such as atelectasis or other oxidative stress responses in the body.

Oxygen therapy is effective in improving oxygenation in patients with respiratory distress, but it must be administered judiciously. By keeping track of how long a patient receives supplemental oxygen, healthcare providers can ensure that they minimize the risks associated with extended use while still achieving therapeutic benefits.

On the other hand, heart rate is important for assessing overall cardiovascular function during treatment, and while it should be monitored, it does not specifically address the risks associated with oxygen therapy itself. Blood sugar levels and fluid intake are also important health metrics but are unrelated to the immediate concerns surrounding oxygen administration. Thus, focusing on the duration of exposure to oxygen directly correlates to managing the risks that can arise from its use.