When preparing to measure the fundal height of a pregnant client, which action is necessary?

Measuring fundal height is an important part of prenatal care as it helps assess fetal growth and uterine size. Having the client empty her bladder before the measurement is crucial because a full bladder can push the uterus upward, which may lead to inaccurate readings. When the bladder is empty, the position of the uterus will be more consistent and easier to measure accurately, allowing for reliable assessment of fundal height in relation to gestational age.

In this context, positioning the client on her left side is not necessary for fundal height measurement, although left side positioning is often recommended for overall comfort and to promote better blood flow. Performing Leopold's maneuvers is a separate assessment technique used to determine fetal position, but it is not a prerequisite for measuring fundal height. Providing cold juice might make the client feel more comfortable but does not directly contribute to the measurement process. Thus, ensuring the client has an empty bladder is the most critical step before measuring fundal height.