Functional Health Pattern Essay

The purpose of this essay is to discuss the health pattern and function of the Boodie’s family in an effort to achieve optimal health outcomes. Assessing the entire family is important. “A family functions together and if at any point there is a member with a dysfunctional health pattern, then the whole family is affected” (Edelman, 2014). “Family members are the first influence on a person’s view of health. They function as support systems for one another, assist with providing basic human needs and define both acceptable and unacceptable values and behavior” (Lecture 4, 2011). The collection of data on assessment of this family will be used through the nursing process and critical thinking to arrive at the best diagnoses and intervention to promote health and wellness in this family. In order to obtain the necessary data required, the nurse needs to follow a proper health assessment guide. “Gordon’s 11 functional health pattern serves as a framework, data is collected and assessed, allowing for the application of nursing diagnosis and interventions that encompass a holistic view of the client” (Lecture 4, 2011). The Gordon’s Functional Health Pattern seemed to be the most effective assessment guide and as such was used to assess this family. Assessment of

Elimination pattern varies among family members. No bowel or bladder problems. They all have regular bowel movements and voids frequently without complaints. The mother and daughter exercises at least three days per week. The father, who can be unbalanced at times, walks every day for one hour. If there is no one at home to accompany him, he will do so by himself and this has been going on for two years without a problem. While walking he stays in touch with family members every fifteen minutes. Due to his illness, he is unable to do other forms of exercises. He however enjoys going to the movies and shows with his wife and