Family Health Assessment Using Gordon's Functional Patterns

Introduction and Assessment Framework

Initial assessment of an individual and family is key in knowing how to administer any form of care. This assessment examines a Filipino-American family who recently migrated to the USA two years ago. The family consists of both parents—the mother is a Registered Nurse and the father is a Security Guard at the local ferry terminal—and three daughters, ages 5, 7, and 10. Data collected during the assessment is analyzed to formulate nursing diagnoses. This paper utilizes Gordon's eleven functional health assessment patterns to illustrate the family's lifestyle, incorporating both objective and subjective data to identify patterns reflective of their daily living practices (Edelman & Mandle, 2010).

When assessing family values, emphasis was placed on the importance of family bonding. The family believes strongly in raising their children within their Filipino beliefs and culture. They emphasize obedience and corrective discipline as important tools for child development. The family practices the Catholic faith and attempts to attend mass every week. Prayer serves as a primary coping mechanism during times of family crisis, reflecting the centrality of religious faith to their worldview and stress management.

Family Values and Health Beliefs

The family's nutrition consists of a balanced diet, with rice, noodles, eggs, and vegetables as staple foods. They eat three meals per day and do not regularly engage in between-meal snacking. Fast food consumption is infrequent, which the family recognizes contributes to maintaining healthy body weights. This eating pattern reflects both cultural preference and intentional health consciousness.

Functional Health Patterns: Nutrition Through Sleep

Regarding sleep patterns, the family typically retires at 10 p.m. and wakes at 6 a.m. to prepare the children for school. Before bedtime, the children are given milk, while the parents use smartphones for entertainment before falling asleep. No sleep disorders are reported in the family; they consistently sleep well and awake rested unless unusual events disturb them. This regular sleep schedule supports overall family health and the children's academic readiness.

Elimination patterns were assessed by asking family members to describe their habits. Most family members experience one bowel movement daily, while the husband reports two to three daily bowel movements, likely due to higher daily water intake. The community's main sewer system is well maintained, and the family has no sewer or plumbing issues. They have adequate clean water supply meeting all elimination and household needs.

In cognitive and sensory perception, the family demonstrates high self-esteem. The parents ensure their children participate in extracurricular activities to develop talents and self-awareness. With the mother's nursing background, the family shows strong comprehension of health promotion and disease prevention concepts. Family decision-making is collaborative; children's opinions are valued, especially regarding decisions affecting them directly.

Functional Health Patterns: Elimination to Self-Perception

Self-perception assessment reveals that the family does not perceive itself as significantly different from others. The mother expresses gratitude for her supportive husband and takes pride in one daughter's singing ability. They identify themselves as a typical hardworking family focused on providing food and security. The family demonstrates mutual care and affection in their interactions, and they unite effectively during crises. Their religious foundation reinforces their reliance on prayer during challenging times.

Due to demanding work schedules, the family sometimes lacks time for regular gym attendance but makes exercise efforts during days off. They own an elliptical exercise machine and use it when possible. The family demonstrates awareness of exercise's health impact and actively pursue fitness despite scheduling constraints. The children participate in school-based extracurricular activities, and the family enjoys home games and community events for recreation.

Family roles are well-defined. Although the mother is the primary breadwinner as a Registered Nurse, the father is regarded as the household head. Child care responsibilities and household cleaning are relatively shared between parents. This role distribution reflects both traditional values and practical adaptation to dual-income family life.

In the sexuality pattern, the couple reports being open and comfortable with each other and their sexual relationship. They recognize the importance of educating their three daughters about sexuality and contraceptive methods. Their chosen contraceptive method is an intrauterine device (IUD) implant, indicating informed family planning decisions aligned with health promotion.

Physical Activity, Family Roles, and Relationships

In crisis situations, the family handles stress by supporting each other emotionally while avoiding blame. They focus on rectifying problems rather than assigning fault. Their primary strengths in managing stressful situations are mutual support and prayer, reflecting their religious foundation and family cohesion. These coping mechanisms contribute to family resilience and emotional well-being.

Based on the comprehensive assessment, two wellness diagnoses have been formulated. The first is readiness for enhanced sexuality pattern, recognizing the couple's open communication and desire for continued health in their intimate relationship. The second is readiness for enhanced activity-exercise pattern, reflecting the family's awareness of exercise benefits and potential to increase physical activity despite scheduling challenges. These diagnoses identify areas for health promotion and optimization of family wellness (Weber, 2005).

Edelman, C., & Mandle, C. L. (2010). Health promotion throughout the life span (7th ed.). Mosby.