Functional health

patterns : Marjory
Gordon
Marjorie Valle
Carlota Acona
Valerie Bisono
Carlos Ramirez
Carlos Hurtado
Introduction
 In this presentation we will briefly discuss
Gordon’s nursing theory, discuss the assigned
case scenario by applying said theory via key
questions provided by the professor.
Nursing Theory
Marjory Gordon, PHD, RN, was a teacher,
researcher, and expert in Cognitive
(Educational) Psychology. In 1987 she
proposed functional health patterns as a
guide for establishing a comprehensive
nursing data base. She was the first president
of NANDA, whose taxonomy is based upon
her 11 functional health patterns. She has
authored several books, and lectured on
three continents.
Nursing Theory
Her concept of the functional health patterns
are a method to assess the patient prior to
determining the patient’s nursing problems.
The nursing diagnoses are the shortened
labels of nursing problems. Assessment is
designed to reveal the symptoms, or
abnormal data, a patient has.
Nursing Theory
It is that abnormal data (symptoms) that
serves as proof, or evidence, to support the
choice of a nursing diagnosis you use. Every
nursing diagnosis has a list defining
characteristics (symptoms).

These 11 categories make possible a
systematic and standardized approach to
data collection, and enable the nurse to
determine the following aspects of health and
human function.
Nursing Theory
Marjory Gordon developed a way to make nursing assessment more
effective; Gordon’s functional patterns as they are known are the
following:
 

 Health perception and management

 Nutrition and metabolism
 Elimination
 Activity and exercise
 Sleep and rest
 Cognition and perception
 Self-perception and self-concept
 Roles and relationships
 Sexuality and reproduction
 Coping and stress management
 Values and beliefs
Nursing Theory
These patterns are an integral part of the
nursing process today. By using this tool we
assess every one of a person’s basic and
fundamental needs, it is easy to use because
it divides them up in categories, approaching
the client in a holistic manner not only
focusing on obvious physical needs, but
psychological, emotional and spiritual needs
as well.

Case Scenario
 A home care nurse visits an elderly client who
lives alone and is restricted to bed because of
pain in his joints due to osteoarthritis. During
conversation, the nurse finds that the client
feels sad and inadequate due to his disability
Discussion
The nurse should prioritize the clients needs by
assessing which one’s need immediate
attention.

Treatment of pain
Activity intolerance
Feelings of sadness and inadequacy
Discussion
 The integration of Peplau’s theory could be
helpful. This theory’s objective is to develop an
interaction between the nurse and patient. It
states that nursing is a significant, therapeutic
interpersonal process. By developing an
effective nurse-patient relationship, these two
can define the problem and together search for
a solution.

Discussion
During the assessment of activity levels, the
nurse should evaluate the following:

1.Health perception and management
2.Activity and exercise
3.Cognition and perception
4.Self perception and self concept
Discussion
Three interventions (using NIC) for this patient
in priority order

2210 Administration of analgesics
0200 Promote exercise
5270 Emotional support
Discussion
What will our expected outcomes be? (Using NOC)


1605 Control of pain – personal action to control

pain
 160505 Proper use of analgesics

0208 Mobility – the patient will have the ability to
move purposefully in own environment with or
without assistive device
 020806 Ambulate


1308 Accepting state of health

 130017 Adapts to changes in health
Discussion
Recommended referrals
Rheumatologist
Physical therapist
Psychologist



Bibliography
Moorhead, Johnson & Maas (2004) Nursing
outcomes classification (NOC). 3RD ED.,
Elsevier Mosby

Potter & Perry (2001) Fundamentals of nursing.
5th Ed., Harcourt/Mosby. Unit I Chapter 5 pp.
96

Electronic Resources
Actualizacion en enfermeria –
Publicaciones
 http://www.es-emoticon.com/enfermeria-actual/contenidos/publicacio


Marjory Gordon – Wikipedia, the free

encyclopedia
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjory_Gordon
