Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to assess the health of the chosen family, the Fs, which lives in Miami.
- It is a nuclear family that consists of three white persons. The mother is 41, the father is 40, and their son is 15.
- It is possible to say that the partners are equal in their family roles. As they stated, they made decisions together, and both of them earned approximately the same money as lawyers, although the husband’s salary was a little larger. Thus, there are two providers in this family. Their son Mike is the only child; therefore, he does not have to take responsibility to look after younger siblings.
- Stress is the main psychological condition that affects the atmosphere within the family. Because of the work and studies, the family members admitted, they sometimes were reserved, tense, and unable to relax. Consequently, communication is sometimes hampered, and the emotional function is influenced.
- Overall, the physical conditions are favorable. Three years ago, the Fs finished the home remodeling and liquidated some disadvantages since sound insulation and high temperatures associated with the large solar gain disturbed the family and prevented them from feeling good. It is the middle-class family; Mr. and Mrs. F. work and support the family.
- The developmental tasks are adequately being accomplished by all family members. The parents try and help their son, focus on their career and succeed, and begin to accept the changes in their physical condition. Mike has started gaining emotional independence, developing his system of values, and thinking about his further studies.
- The son’s developmental state is a matter of primary concern since adolescence is recognized as a challenging stage that makes an impact on the whole family (Wright & Leahey, 2012). Stress is created due to Mike’s need to be independent and make his own choices while the parents might overreact sometimes.
- In terms of developmental stages, it is the family with a teenager. Although there are some hardships, the situation is tolerable, and the Fs are likely to achieve the task of this stage. As for the previous stages, they have managed to be successful since they have developed their career according to their plans, had a baby when they wanted him, and provided him with the best opportunities they could.
- Mrs. F.’s mother had a history of asthma and allergy to citrus fruit, and, as she stated, his father was prone to obesity. Mrs. F. has gained some weight recently, and she has difficulties concerning physical activity: for her, moving is tiring. Mr. F.’s mother had a history of coronary heart disease which makes smoking especially dangerous.
- The family members pay attention to immunization. They are vaccinated according to the schedule. The next influenza vaccination is to be in December 2016. As for other types of vaccination, they were provided earlier, and now the family members do not have risks associated with the necessity to be vaccinated.
- One of main Mike’s problems is the stress due to his academic workload and the necessity to prepare for his further studies. Another problem is connected with his eyesight that has started worsening: he cannot distinguish letters and symbols at a long distance. He is anxious that he will have to wear glasses or wear lenses all the time. He spends much time in front of the computer screen, and by the end of the day, he suffers from eye strain.
- When Mike was seven, he was admitted to the hospital since he had the flu. His mother assumed a duty to care for him, and Mr. F. assisted her. Except for this case, there have been no hospital admissions.
- The predominant model of communication is the interactive type: the partners and their son exchange ideas and opinions openly. However, sometimes, the communication tends to be linear: as a rule, it happens when one of the communicants is exhausted and stressed and the other wants to establish a contact. Apparently, the first model is more effective because it gives the opportunity to be aware of the current situation and feelings. The second type is less advantageous because both persons do not achieve their goals (to share one’s thoughts and emotions and, on the other hand, have a rest for a while).
- The decisions are made together: the family members cooperate and express their opinion in terms of some issues. Sometimes, Mike just informs his parents that he has made a certain decision, but it does not pertain to vital matters – it may be, for instance, his appearance.
- It does not seem that violence is present in this family. All persons do not look suspicious or frightened. Their speech is natural and direct; nobody is afraid to talk. The discipline is permissive. As the parents noted, they saw this strategy the optimal choice, and their son had never done something wrong and inappropriate.
- In general, the family can cope with the crisis well. Mr. F. is an optimist, and he manages to support his wife and son even in the roughest times. He said his main strategy was to divert attention from the problem for a while, do something pleasant if possible (for example, to go out together), and then return to the issue with a clear mind.
- It is a Catholic family. The impact of religion is mainly emotional: it provides support and helps make friends in the community. The family admits their diet and pernicious habits are not much influenced by the church: they are the typical American cultural behavioral patterns.
- Mr. and Mrs. F.’s goals are to climb the career ladder together and help their son discover what he wants to be in the future. Mike’s goal is to find his life’s work.
- Mr. F.’s brother is close to the family: he lives in New York, but often visits the Fs. He is always ready to help.
- There is no evidence of role conflict or role overload. Both partners and their sons seem to have a suitable set of roles.
- The family has an updated emergency plan pertaining to natural disasters. As for family crisis plans, the Fs have not formulated it.
Analysis
One can make the following diagnoses for each member of the family and suggest the care plans.
Mrs. F.’s nursing diagnosis: activity intolerance related to the inadequate nutritional status.
Care plan
Evidence
- Registered dysfunctional eating behavior and excess food ingestion;
- The increase of weight: the bodyweight is minimum 20% higher than the standards require;
- Excessive body fat according to skinfold and other tests.
Desired outcomes
- Determine behavioral patterns pertaining to overeating;
- Change eating habits and choose healthier products;
- Involve in the individual physical activity program;
- Demonstrate adequate weight loss in the long-term perspective (Sargent, Forrest, & Parker, 2012).
Intervention
- Assess the patient’s activities and exclude the unessential ones;
- Design a suitable program of exercises and make sure the patient follows the instructions;
- Implement a suitable diet plan and educate the patient in terms of eating habits;
- Provide effective communication and feedback;
- Monitor the patient’s progress and make regular adjustments.
Mr. F.’s nursing diagnosis: ineffective breathing pattern related to smoking
Care plan
Evidence
- Altered oxygen supply;
- The altered oxygen-carrying capacity of blood;
- Alveolar-capillary membrane changes;
- Ventilation-perfusion imbalance (Elshatarat, Engler, Stotts, & Froelicher, 2014).
Desired outcomes
- Sustain normal gas exchange proven by unlabored respirations at 12-20/min, improved oximetry, and optimal blood gases rates;
- Sustain clear lung fields and demonstrate the absence of any respiratory disorders;
- Encourage participation in oxygenation optimization procedures;
- Demonstrate no symptoms of respiratory disorders.
Intervention
- Assess and summarize the current symptoms;
- Control respiratory patterns;
- Educate the patient to breathe deeply and make his cough more forceful;
- Develop a personal smoking cessation program and make sure the patient follows the recommendations.
Mike F.’s nursing diagnosis: fear and anxiety related to vision deterioration
Evidence
- Blurred vision when looking at long-distanced objects;
- Eyestrain;
- Headaches;
- Feeling anxious.
Desired outcomes
- Keep the present-day acuity of vision;
- Participate in therapeutic regimen and monitor the impact of one’s activities;
- Decrease the level of stress and anxiety related to vision impairment (Saeed, Konopinska, & Mariak, 2015).
Intervention
- Identify the degree of visual loss at the moment;
- Plan rest periods in accordance with school activities;
- Educate the patient and his family and provide sufficient information about the medical management of myopia including the possibility of laser vision correction.
References
Elshatarat, R. A., Engler, M. M., Stotts, N. A., & Froelicher, E. S. (2014). Cigarette and waterpipe smoking patterns among hospitalized men with cardiovascular disease diagnosis. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 4(10), 118-132.
Saeed, E., Konopinska, J., & Mariak, Z. (2015). Significance of atropine in preventing myopia progression in children. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 6(4). Web.
Sargent, G. M., Forrest, L. E., & Parker, R. M. (2012). Nurse delivered lifestyle interventions in primary health care to treat chronic disease risk factors associated with obesity: A systematic review. Obesity Reviews, 13(12), 1148-1171.
Wright, L. M., & Leahey, M. (2012). Nurses and families: A guide to family assessment and intervention. Philadelphia, PA: FA Davis.