Functional Health Assessment

Nursing theorist Marjorie Gordon developed, in 1987, functional health patterns as a tool guide, used by nurses as a comprehensive data collection during patient assessments. Functional health pattern enables the nurses to identify and determine all aspects of health and human function (Kosher, 2013). The purpose of this assignment is to discuss how the interviewed family views their health overall, to improve their health promotion/patient education, and to identify the needs of the family using Gordon’s 11 functional health patterns.

The family selected for this project is a bi-nuclear family with three children. The mother is 40 years old and has two occupations, a phlebotomist and a nursing assistant. She has a 15 year old daughter, 3 year old twin boys. Her daughter is from her previous marriage. The father is 48 years old and works as a long distance truck driver. The couple has been married for 7 years. During the interview the family was asked open ended questions to evaluate their overall views of their health. These open ended questions were used in conjunction with Gordon’s 11 functional health patterns.

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The minor children were included in discussions with parents present. Patterns of Health Perception and Health Management The family as a whole perceives their health in overall good condition. They believe that with frequent and check-ups with their primary physician, their health can be maintained and managed properly. The importance of spirituality plays an important role in maintaining mental and physical wellness. The father has past medical issues with hypertensive crisis induced by stress and diet. The mother has a history of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean section with the childbirth of the twins.

In order to improve health maintenance they are dieting appropriately and exercising regularly and taking what they call a “family time-out” on the weekends to relieve stress and build emotional bond. Nutrition-Metabolic Pattern Diet is an important part of this family maintaining their health. Because of the fathers condition the family eats a cardiac healthy diet. Their typical daily intake, consist of lots of vegetables, salads, chicken and fish. They have deleted red meat and carbonated drinks out of their diet.

The father confessed to eating sweets and other unhealthy items. The children state that they like to snack all day. Mom sends the twins with healthy snacks at daycare and the older daughter opts to eat school lunch every so often. She prefers to bring a Gatorade and sandwich for lunch. The family was noted to practice eating the recommended 6 small meals per day. The main meal in this household is eaten around five or six p. m. The father and mother had experienced weight fluctuations due to diet changes and life changing stressful events.

Pattern of Elimination The elimination function is regular without difficulty for anyone with bowel movements or urination. The frequent urination is no longer an issue for the mother since she has lost some of the baby weight and no longer with pregnant. The twin boys are currently being potty trained, with some episodes of incontinence at night, which is to be expected. They are still using pull-up briefs at bedtime. Pattern of Activity/Exercise This family is very active. The mother says she stays active with work and the two boys at home keep her busy.

The mother does a lot of heavy lifting at working so she is required to wear safety brace while at work. The father job requires sitting most of the time with lifting from time to time. They do many outdoor activities for family time, for example, fishing, swimming, and bike riding on the trail, at the local park. The mother participates in zumba exercise class on Wednesday evenings. Cognitive and Perception Education is a continued factor in this household. The mother is in school for licensed practical nursing.

The daughter is in high school and maintains a 3. 5 grade average in her classes. The twins go to day care every day for early learning. The father completed 2 years of college and has degree in general studies, has a special driving license. Pattern of Seep and Rest Family’s response towards rest was different. The mother complained of lack of rest since the twins were born and the father stated that when he is home from a long trip it is difficult for him to sleep at home because he is used to being up all night driving. The twins and the teenage daughter take naps and gets sleep without any complaints.

Pattern of Self Perception and Self Concept Some family members noted to feel unsatisfied about their appearances in different ways. The daughter felt that she had chunky legs. The father felt that he could stand to lose a few more pounds because he felt fat. The mother is still worried about fitting into that bathing suit she bought two months ago on sale. Body image was an issue, but it was discussed nonchalant throughout the conversation. The daughter appeared to be vainer about her appearance than any other family member.

Role Relationships Pattern

Support for each is noted throughout the family, they attend church regularly on Sundays has a spiritual and emotional support system. The parents socialize with other church members through activities. They voiced satisfaction with their home life. They often go out on dates with other couples and families with children. The mother’s relatives live close by, so they have frequently family visits. Sexuality –Reproductive Pattern The parents are currently sexually active. The teenage daughter stated she is not, but was curious and had some questions.

The daughter started her menses at age 11. The mother started her menses cycle at early age 9. The parents were informed of the teenage daughter curiosity and questions so that could be addressed personally. Pattern of Coping and Stress Tolerance Stress has had an impact on this family. The father has been hospitalized twice with a hypertensive crisis. Life changing events started from the birth of the twins, then the death of his mother a year ago and now work has been slower than usual, not enough hours to work and support his family.

The mother is stressed from taking on the extra load of responsibilities. No recreational drugs or alcohol abuse in the home. Stress is relieved by spiritual needs being met and family support. Patterns of Values and Beliefs Religion is very important to this family, by attending church regularly and participating in extra activities at church with their church family. A close knit family is highly valued. The American culture is practiced in this family. Western medicine is their health practice.

Wellness Diagnoses/Family Nursing Diagnosis

Readiness for Enhanced Caregiver Role related to interrupted family processes and caregiver role strain (Gordon, 1994) Effective therapeutic Regimen Management related to non-compliance with diet (Gordon, 1994) Conclusion The interviewing process of this family was intensive, but important information was gained. Areas noted for increased education and health promotion/well-being. Based on the functional health patterns assessment, wellness and family nursing diagnoses was implemented. Factors taken into consideration were the diet and weight concern, and the shift of responsibilities increasing stressors.

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