Family Assessment Research Paper

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Running head: FAMILY ASSESSMENT: A HOLISTIC NURSING APPROACH

Family Assessment: A Holistic Nursing Approach to the Care Needs of a Single Parent and Her Family

Linfield College

Family Assessment: A Holistic Nursing Approach to the Care Needs of a Single Parent and Her Family

Introduction to Family Assessment

Today’s families are unique and many vary greatly from the more traditional view of the nuclear

family. Whatever the family make-up; it is my belief that a family constitutes two or more persons who

depend on each other emotionally, financially, physically or for spiritual support. The N family is such a

non-traditional family composed of a single female parent and her two biological daughters. In addition
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Visits to the Home

Summary of First Visit

Namid was approached, regarding the family assessment project and its brief description, a

week prior to the first visit and verbally consented to participate. In preparation for the visit, literature

pertaining to family assessment by Edelman and Mandle (2006) and Weber (2005) were reviewed. To be

more aware of and sensitive to the potential health care risks commonly associated with single parent

households, a literature review search using CINAHL with the search words of “single parent” and “risks”

were obtained and reviewed in preparation. In addition, the standard functional health pattern nursing

assessment format, found in appendix C, was used to collect and record data.

The first visit took place early evening on October 18, 2008 at the residence of the N family. I

was greeted at the door by all family members and invited in. Kanti appeared rather amused by the visit

and took the initiative to show me around the inside of the house. After a house tour, I was made

comfortable, along with the rest of the family, in the living room. Intent, purpose and assurance
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Namid reports being

concerned with the unhealthy food choices at Kanti’s school and shows an interest in having her pack

her own lunch. Namid also reports unhealthy eating habits as well. She describes over-eating due to

stress or going without food for long periods of time at her place of work, because of her patient load

and not receiving a lunch break, and thus snacking on whatever foods are available upon the unit. She is

concerned regarding her current obesity and the associated negative impact upon her health.

examination. I was not able to observe the family preparing or eating a meal due to the timing

of the visit. However, I was allowed to look in the refrigerator and cabinets. The family was noted to

have plenty of nutritious and organic foods consisting of whole grains, legumes, dairy products and fresh

fruits and vegetables. There was no “junk food” noted. A water filtration system was also noted. Namid

appears approximately 50 lbs overweight. Aiyanna appears to be of appropriate weight and size.

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