Final answer:
To monitor side effects of oxytocin during childbirth, nurses should observe the patient's uterine contractions, as oxytocin stimulates these contractions through a positive feedback mechanism.Thus the correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to monitor for one of the side effects of oxytocin, it is important for the nurse to note the patient's uterine contractions. Oxytocin is an endocrine hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that functions during childbirth to stimulate uterine contractions. A feedback relay occurs between the uterus, hypothalamus, and posterior pituitary to assure an adequate supply of oxytocin, which causes the contraction of smooth muscles of the uterus, leading to the birth of the baby. Moreover, the hormone oxytocin is involved in a positive feedback mechanism where the initial contractions during labor cause the release of more oxytocin, leading to stronger contractions.