Final answer:
The most crucial assessment a nurse should prioritize before starting a patient on misoprostol (Cytotec) therapy for inducing uterine contractions is checking for a history of previous cesarean deliveries due to the risk of uterine rupture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before starting therapy with misoprostol (Cytotec), which is used to produce uterine contractions, the most essential assessment a nurse should prioritize is c) History of previous cesarean delivery. Misoprostol can be used to induce labor or for its off-label use for inducing contractions in medical abortions. It is crucial to know if the patient has a history of a cesarean delivery, as this could affect the integrity of the uterine scar and increase the risk of uterine rupture, which is a serious complication during attempts to induce labor