High-Risk Family Assessment and Health Promotion Paper

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High-Risk Family Assessment and Health Promotion Paper Amanda Warbington University of Phoenix Instructor Tracy Kramer High-Risk Family Assessment and Health Promotion Paper Family assessment is an important part of a nursing assessment. Due to the fact that illnesses affect an entire family unit, and not just the patient, it is crucial to determine what effects an illness, like alcoholism, has on a family. High-risk families, like those with alcoholism involved, are definitely in need of nursing interventions. This paper will discuss the disease of alcoholism, its effects on family members, and nursing interventions needed to assist the patient as well as family members. Family Assessment Alcoholism is a disease that affects millions of people around the world. This disease does not discriminate against age, race, sex, or orientation. According to the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (n.d.), alcoholism can destroy any relationship, especially young children and adolescents who suffer the greatest effects. As of 2012, an average of 7.5 million children live with parents suffering from alcoholism (SAMHSA, 2012). These children are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, developmental delays, and parental abuse or neglect (SAMHSA, 2012). It is important, as nurses, to be aware of these risk factors so that appropriate interventions are implemented. Not only are children at risk for the aforementioned problems, but they are also more likely to develop a drinking problem of their own, thus perpetuating the cycle of alcoholism within families. Having an alcoholic family member puts a strain on other members of the family. Coping mechanisms are important for nurses to assess when interviewing family members. It is also important to look for signs of abuse, whether physical or emotional, with the spouse and children.
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