The nurse is preparing to administer oxytocin IV to a client after the delivery of her infant. Which outcome should the nurse expect from the administration of oxytocin?

Rationale: A. Return of the uterus to prepregnancy size: While oxytocin helps the uterus contract, uterine involution occurs gradually over several weeks and is not an immediate outcome of oxytocin administration. B. Expulsion of the placenta: Oxytocin is sometimes used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage after placental delivery, but the actual expulsion of the placenta occurs before oxytocin is routinely administered. C. Activation of the let-down reflex: The let-down reflex, which triggers milk ejection, is stimulated by oxytocin during breastfeeding. However, in the postpartum IV setting, the primary purpose of oxytocin is uterine contraction, not lactation. D. Stimulation of uterine contractions: Oxytocin directly stimulates smooth muscle of the uterus, promoting strong contractions. This helps control postpartum bleeding and supports the uterus in returning to a contracted state, which is the expected outcome after delivery.