A nurse is caring for a laboring client who has weak and infrequent uterine contractions. To improve the effectiveness of labor, the nurse expects the provider to order administration of ___________, a medication that stimulates stronger uterine contractions.

Oxytocin is a uterotonic hormone commonly administered intravenously to stimulate uterine contractions and enhance labor progress. It increases the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions, helping to correct hypotonic or weak labor patterns. Careful titration and continuous fetal and maternal monitoring are essential to prevent hyperstimulation, fetal distress, or uterine rupture.