What is a key nursing action in scenario #1 for Marcella Como?

Providing emotional support is crucial in nursing practice, especially in scenarios where a patient may be experiencing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty about their health condition. Emotional support involves actively listening to the patient, validating their feelings, and offering reassurance, which can significantly enhance the overall patient experience and promote healing. It helps build a trusting nurse-patient relationship, allowing for better communication and collaboration in care.

In Marcella Como's scenario, emotional support may be particularly important if she is facing a challenging diagnosis or undergoing a critical situation. By offering this kind of support, the nurse can help alleviate some of the emotional burdens that the patient may be experiencing, fostering a sense of safety and care.

While discharge planning, starting medication therapy, and referral to specialists are all important actions in the nursing process, they typically come into play at later stages of care or after addressing the emotional needs of the patient. Prioritizing emotional support can lead to better patient outcomes and readiness for subsequent steps in the treatment or care plan.