Evaluation Of A Family's Health Value Using Gordon's Functional Health Patterns (Essay Sample)

              Family Health Valuation Questions and Responses Yolaine Santa Cruz Grand Canyon University                   A family health assessment is an essential factor in the formulation of a family care plan according to their needs (Friedman, 1986).  This paper will look at the nurse’s primary roles in family assessment and how it can be successful under minimal pressure or stress. By utilizing the open-minded family focused questions, the evaluation will cover 11 functional health patterns. This technique, commonly identified as ‘Gordon’s Functional Health Pattern’ and will contain the 11 logically organized principals of obtaining data from a family set up and interpreting it to provide the best diagnosis and proper prevention in family health promotion (Gordon, 2014).  The chosen interviewed nuclear family is a middle-aged couple married for 13 years with three kids. The father is 41 years old while the mother is 37 years old and their kids’ ages are sixteen, twelve and eleven. The three kids attend public schools; their father works as a maintenance engineer in a company while the mother has recently enrolled in a nursing institution. Values/Health Perception A successful health assessment for a family begins with the view of the values or health awareness patterns. The family has attempted various steps with the aim of improving their current health status. The couples felt that they were not a good role model to their kids because both parents were obese. To ensure that they are in good fitness, their children actively participate in sporting activities like football, handball, and volleyball. To achieve overall fitness, the mother has enrolled in a medical weight loss treatment while the father is trying to be vigorous at works and he hopes to join a local gym. The couples mutually agreed their current goal is to achieve weight loss before the end of next year. Families maintain values by spending time together, flexibility and mutual respect (Kaakinen et al., 2014) Nutritional In response to the dietary pattern, the family confessed that they only have three meals a day and they avoid intakes of high calories and junk foods. At dinner, children share a meal at the dining room table while the parents eat together in the living room. Most of their meals are home cooked, and they include vegetables and fruits are taken as snacks. The family’s favorite meals are tacos with rice, com, and lasagna. The family also consumes beverages like water and diet caffeine free sodas. Such nutrition is a correct diagnosis for obese since they enhance the body’s metabolic patterns. Sleep/rest The family described their sleeping patterns being sufficient and they have enough sleep. They usually go to sleep before 10:00 pm and wake up for school at 6:00 am. However, the father had a problem with his sleeping patterns. He usually works on a third shift, but whenever he comes home at night, the snoring of the wife affects his sleep. The mother also explained techniques the family uses to relax including watching television together after dinner and taking a shower before going to bed. Elimination The family responded to the elimination pattern questions by stating that all members have healthy bladder and bowel patterns. However, the mother reported that her bladder pattern is a bit frequent due to the recommendation from the clinic to increase water intakes. The family admitted that they had no health issues related to bowel or bladder elimination. Exercise/Activity About activities and practices, the parents affirmed that their children are physically active in sports and that they are regularly invited to watch them in school competitions. Although the parents aren’t actively exercising, they are planning to enroll on a local gym. The couples confessed having knee problems which can limit them from specific physical activities. The mother stated that out of 24 hours a day, they spent 12 hours on computers, smartphones, and video games (Gordon, 2014). Cognitive The question based on the cognitive pattern revealed that the family stays up to date on information by participating in annual physical, vision and routine dental checkups. The family ensures they have a yearly immunization and flu vaccines. Averagely, the family uses a doctor for health maintenance especially when a member is sick or not getting better. Sensory-Perception Based on the sensory perception patterns, the family mutually agreed that they did not have any sensory shortfalls. They also admitted that they currently had no infections that have led to a sensory deficit of their member. They all utilize their senses efficiently to absorb information. Self-perception Regarding self-perception, the family admitted to engaging in children’s school activities as well as keeping a good relationship in the neighborhood. They believe that life is going to be better and they have a positive perspective on their future. Currently, the mother has most challenges as she must wake up early, prepare kids for school, help them with their assignment and prepare meals. Apparently, the family believes that they look well and they could be better if the parents could reduce their weight. Role Relationship Looking at the roles in their relationship organization, the household has an excellent connection and regularly communicate with friends, neighbors, and workmates. They confessed that it was hard to stay in contact with their relatives and friends since everyone has a busy rou...