Family Nursing Process & Healthy Family Dynamics

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts of the family nursing process, tools for family health assessment, and characteristics of a healthy family.

Conducive Home Environment

A household that is physically safe, healthful, secure, and comfortable to foster both physical and psychosocial development of all members.

Reciprocal Community Relationship

The family’s two-way interaction with community and health institutions—using community resources while also participating in and supporting community events and initiatives.

Family-based Nursing Process

A client-oriented, systematic, dynamic approach to problem-solving with families that includes relationship building, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to promote optimal family functioning while respecting family autonomy.

Family Health Assessment

The systematic collection and analysis of data about a family’s biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual status to identify actual or potential health problems.

Family Health

A dynamic, changing state of well-being of the family system encompassing bio-psycho-socio-cultural-spiritual dimensions of both individual members and the family as a whole within its community context.

Steps in the Family Nursing Process

Sequential actions: (1) Family Health Assessment, (2) Family Nursing Diagnosis, (3) Formulating Family Nursing Care Plan, (4) Implementing Family Care Plan, and (5) Evaluating Family Care Plan.

Family Nursing Diagnosis

Clinical judgment about a family’s responses to actual or potential health problems, providing the basis for selection of nursing interventions.

Formulating Family Nursing Care Plan

Developing goal-directed, evidence-based strategies and interventions in collaboration with the family to address identified diagnoses.

Implementing Family Care Plan

Carrying out planned nursing interventions with and for the family to achieve desired health outcomes.

Evaluating Family Care Plan

Assessing the family’s progress toward stated goals, determining effectiveness of interventions, and deciding whether to continue, modify, or terminate the care plan.

IDB (Initial Data Base)

A tool in family health assessment that organizes baseline information about family structure, function, environment, and health status.

Typology of Nursing Problems in Family Nursing Practice

A classification scheme that groups common family health problems to guide assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.

Coping Index

An instrument used to measure a family’s ability to cope with stressors and crises, guiding nurses in planning supportive interventions.

Healthy Family Characteristic: Open Communication & Interaction

Family members talk and listen to one another frequently and in varied contexts, promoting understanding and cohesion.

Healthy Family Characteristic: Establishing Priorities

Members recognize that family needs take precedence and collaboratively set goals and allocate resources accordingly.

Healthy Family Characteristic: Affirmation & Respect

Each member offers support, validation, and esteem to others, fostering a positive family climate.

Healthy Family Characteristic: Flexible Roles & Shared Power

Members adapt roles, share decision-making authority, respond to change, and encourage autonomy and growth.

Healthy Family Characteristic: Shared Values & Spiritual Core

The family transmits cultural and societal values, maintains common beliefs, and often nurtures a spiritual foundation.

Healthy Family Characteristic: Responsibility & Service

Family culture promotes accountability for actions and values contributing to the well-being of others inside and outside the home.

Healthy Family Characteristic: Play & Humor

Members enjoy leisure activities together, maintaining a sense of fun and humor that strengthens bonds.

Healthy Family Characteristic: Coping & Growth from Stress

The family effectively manages crises, learns from difficulties, and seeks professional help when needed.