What should the nurse do first when a 36-week pregnant client reports dizziness during a fundal height measurement?

When a 36-week pregnant client reports dizziness during a fundal height measurement, the priority action for the nurse is to reposition the client into a lateral position. This is because the client may be experiencing dizziness due to compression of the inferior vena cava, a common occurrence in late pregnancy when the uterus is large enough to compress major blood vessels when the client is lying supine. By repositioning the client to the left lateral position, blood flow can be improved, reducing the risk of hypotension and enhancing venous return to the heart, which can alleviate dizziness and improve the client's overall condition.

While assessing fetal heart rate and pattern, heart and lung sounds, or notifying the health care provider are also important steps in the care of a pregnant client, they are not the immediate priority in this scenario. The primary focus should first be on ensuring the client's stability and comfort by addressing the cause of the dizziness, which can often be resolved by changing positions. This approach addresses the acute concern effectively before conducting further assessments or interventions.