Final answer:
Misoprostol is a medication used to soften the cervix to induce labor. It is associated with labor's first stage, where the cervix must thin and dilate. Side effects can include increased risk of bleeding and nausea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should include in the education of the client that misoprostol will soften the cervix, which is an essential step in the induction of labor. This medication is a synthetic prostaglandin that helps ripen (soften and dilate) the cervix, preparing it for labor, which can lead toward cervical dilation, and eventually, the expulsion of the baby.
Misoprostol may also have side effects, including the risk of uterine hyperstimulation, which can lead to changes in fetal heart rate patterns and, in rare cases, increased risk of bleeding postpartum. While it is not used to reduce the pain of contractions, some women might experience side effects such as nausea or vomiting.
During labor, the uterine muscles contract powerfully to dilate the cervix and aid in the delivery of the baby. The use of misoprostol is related to labor's first stage, which involves the thinning and dilating of the cervix, a prerequisite for the baby and placenta to be expelled during birth.