Final answer:
The administration of methylergonovine (Methergine) to a postpartum woman during the fourth stage of labor is expected to result in the woman demonstrating expected lochial characteristics, due to the drug's action of stimulating uterine contractions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expected outcome for care when methylergonovine (Methergine), an oxytocic, is administered to a postpartum woman during the fourth stage of labor would be that the woman will: a. demonstrate expected lochial characteristics.
Methylergonovine is used to help contract the uterus and prevent bleeding after childbirth. It works by directly stimulating the uterine smooth muscle, leading to an increase in the strength and frequency of uterine contractions, which aids in the expulsion of lochia and encourages the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size. While it may also help with pain associated with uterine cramping, its primary intended use is not pain relief but to ensure the uterine muscle contracts effectively to minimize the risk of hemorrhage.