Friedman Family Assessment
May 2010
University of Phoenix
NUR/405
Amy Weaver

A nursing assessment of a family is the basis of nursing interventions. Stanhope and Lancaster (2008) state, “By using a systematic process, family problem areas are identified and family strengths are emphasized as the building blocks for interventions and to facilitate family resiliency (p. 567). The following paragraphs will describe a typical family. The family consists of a mother, a father, a 10 year old daughter, and a six year old son. The family chosen was interviewed individually and as a family. This family consists of SM, CM, daughter EM, and son DM. The family lives in a three bedroom brick house, with three entrances, nine steps to enter
MLD smokes cigarettes, but he steps outside when doing so to protect the children especially CED since she has asthma. He also does not smoke when in the car.
The family is not limited in food choices; they just do not seem to choose balanced meals when eating. The only income that they have is what MLD earns from his job and so the family chooses foods that are cheap and accessible, such as canned foods, frozen foods, and snack food such as chips and cookies. The only vegetables they had were canned vegetables. BAD does try to make a balanced dinner, but still uses frozen meals that are easier to prepare.

BAD is a 29 year old Caucasian female. She is 64 inches and 225 pounds. Her hair is uncombed and unwashed. She stated that since losing her job, and being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, she does not feel the need to look presentable every day. She said when she does leave the house that she does do her hair and makeup. She needs surgery to remove her thyroid, but the family has already used up their allotted insurance money for the year, so they are waiting until January to have the surgery.

MLD is 33 year old Caucasian male. He is 68 inches and 195 pounds. He is well kept in appearance and has on slacks and a button down long sleeve shirt. He has just gotten off work. He said he usually works overtime, 12 hour days, to make extra income for the family. MLD also takes night classes two nights a week and is working on