A pregnant woman is past her due date and has been admitted to the woman's services department to induce labor. From the drug categories below, which drug does the nurse expect to be ordered for this patient?

A. Terbutaline, a beta2-adrenergic agonist: Terbutaline is used to relax the uterus and inhibit preterm labor. It is a tocolytic, not an induction agent, so it is not indicated for a woman who is past her due date and requires labor stimulation. Using terbutaline in this situation would delay labor. B. Bisacodyl, a gastrointestinal stimulant: Bisacodyl is a laxative used to stimulate bowel movements. It has no effect on uterine contractions and is not used for labor induction. Its administration would not assist in initiating labor. C. Oxytocin, a uterine stimulant: Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and is commonly administered to induce or augment labor in women who are past their due date. It increases contraction strength and frequency, helping to progress labor safely under monitoring. D. Levonorgestrel, an emergency contraceptive: Levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It has no role in labor induction and does not affect uterine contractions. Administering it in labor would be ineffective and inappropriate.