What task can a nurse delegate to assistive personnel on a labor and delivery unit?

When considering the delegation of tasks to assistive personnel in a labor and delivery unit, it is essential to recognize the scope of practice for both the nurse and the assistive personnel. The option that involves completing intake and output for clients in active labor is appropriate for delegation, as it is a task that does not require advanced clinical judgment or specialized training.

Assistive personnel can accurately record intake and output, which is vital for monitoring the hydration status and fluid balance of the client during labor. This task allows the nurse to focus on more complex clinical duties that require their expertise, such as monitoring the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus.

Other options, such as administering medication, monitoring fetal heart rates continuously, and conducting physical assessments, require specialized training, critical thinking, and nursing judgment. These tasks are considered the responsibility of the licensed nursing personnel due to the high stakes involved in ensuring the well-being of both the laboring client and the fetus. Therefore, completing intake and output is the correct choice for delegation to assistive personnel in this scenario.