FAMILY ASSESSMENT

Ellenor Chance BSN, RN

Jessica Ward BSN, RN

Family Assessment

J.P. (wife) 28 years old and E.P (husband) 31 years old, is a newlywed middle class couple that dated for three years prior to marriage in June 2011. They have no children together; however the husband has four children from a previous relationship. They live in Baltimore County and are of Christian and Muslim religious backgrounds. Unlike traditional families, roles are not clearly defined and tasks are blended. Communication is open and unique allowing this family to work through problems. Although this family unit is functioning adequately, extended family members, child rearing, religious preferences, and unhealthy lifestyle choices all pose threat to family health, stability, and functioning

Family Assessment

Identifying DataFamily Client initials: J. P. & P. E.Residence: Baltimore county, Middle RiverFamily Composition: husband, wife, four stepchildren-two boys/two girls.Cultural (ethnic background): African American

Religious: Muslim, Christian, and Baptist Social Class Structure

J.P. is a Registered Nurse she is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Education. E.P. is a phlebotomist he works two full time jobs. They chose not to give annual income. E. P. (husband) states “we are okay.” Family recreational /Leisure-time activities

During free time this family enjoys going to the movies and eating out. When not spending time together, E. P. (husband) plays video games, while J.P (wife) spends most of her free time completing school work.

Family Assessment

Developmental Stage Becoming families’ stage

Developmental tasks Establish a mutually satisfying marriage- communication

is open and issues are handled democratically.Relate harmoniously to the kin network-Stressors arise

from extended family because of dependence economic and emotional support. Family planning- On hold for now until J.P. finishes school unclear as to how religion will affect child rearing practices.

Family Assessment

Family Origin They were acquaintances at work, became friends,

and then dated for three years before marrying June 2011.

“We are not perfect, but we are perfect for each other.”- J.P. & P.E.

Family Assessment

Family Functions Affective Function

Mutually affectionate towards each other, when disagreements arise open communication is used to solve problems.

E.P could improve relationship with his children because time spent with children is minimal and inconsistent.

Needs/Response Patterns Academic/ Career Success Economic stability

Family Assessment

Socialization Function Maintain a functional family unit and

prevent dysfunction with in the home Child rearing practices/Family is unclear as

to what religion the children will follow Proposed shared responsibility

Family Assessment

Health Care Function* Recent weight gain* Unhealthy food choices/fast food/take out * Poor meal planning* does not exercise* Poor sleep pattern* Drinks occasionally* Seeks medical care when an illness occurs

Family Assessment

Family History E.P. has a family history of

substance abuse and depression by his mother

No information available about his father’s medical history

J.P. ‘s has a family history of ESRD, DM type II, Stroke, CAD, and Hypertension.

Family Assessment

Family Values Having a functional family unit Family togetherness Economic stability Education Health

Family Assessment

Environmental Data Newly constructed single family home Lacks a front/back yard In walking distance to grocery stores,

schools, and places of worship. Diversity noted among neighbors Located on a busy intersection/high traffic

area Family has three cars for transportation

Family Assessment

Family Construction/Communication Shared responsibility/ blended roles text messaging is the main source

of communication short to the point conversation “we

don’t have much to talk about.” Expresses that this form of

communication works for them

Family Assessment

Communication E.P. prefers to communicate with his family

“from a distance.” due to avoidance of emotional and financial burdens that accompany his extended family.

J.P. communicates with her family daily through phone conversations.

J.P. deescalates before confronting her husband when she is upset in an attempt to maintain open communication.

Family Assessment

Due to business and restrictive work schedules messages are not always communicated and information is frequently missed.

Formal Role Structure Wife is the responsible for

managing money all other roles are not specific and is determined by who ever is available to fill the void role.

Family Assessment

Family Stressors husband’s extended family’s emotional and

financial burdens Relationship with children and visitation issues Relationship with children’s mother

Coping Strategies J.P. over eats and bottles up stress until she is

ready to talk about bothersome issues E.P. plays video games; he believes this is better

than arguing This couple do not rely on outside sources to vent

when issues arise.

Family Assessment

Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective health maintenance related to perceived

busy lifestyle and lack of time for health seeking behaviors, as evident by family eating high fat, carbohydrate, and take out foods regularly; lack of exercise and meal planning, and unplanned weight gain.

Risk for Spiritual distress related to differences in religious preferences for children, as evident by unclear plan as to which religion children will be follow.

Ineffective Coping strategies related to situational crises as evident by overeating, holding in feelings, and avoidance of confrontation.

Family Assessment

Conclusion Family stability and goal attainment is achieved

through power sharing and role blending. Like any family, problems arise, however they are able to work through issues. This family is often burdened with extended family member’s problems but they’ve learned that loving from a distance works for them. Improving health, finding effective coping strategies, and effective communication are needed areas of improvement for this family.

References

Cox, H. C., Hinz, M., D., Lubno, M. A., Tilley, D. S., Newfiled, S. A., Slater, M. M., &

Sridaromont, K. L. (Eds.). (2002). Clinical application of nursing diagnosis:

Adult, child, women’s psychiatric, gerontic, and home health considerations (4th

ed.) . Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company.

Friedman, M. M., Bowden, V. R., & Jones, E.G. (2003). Family nursing research,

theory, and

practice (4th ed.). M. Connor & N. Anselment, (Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:

Prentice Hall