CHN P15

Data gathered trough this method have the advantage of being subjected to validation and

reliability testing by other observers.

2. Physical Examination. Significant data about the health status of individual family members can be

obtained through direct examination. This is done through inspection, palpation, percussion,

auscultation, measurement of speific body parts and reviewing the body system. It is essential for

the nurse to have the skill in perfoming physical assessment/appraisal in order to help the family

be aware of the health status of its members. Data generated from physical assessment form a

substantive part of first-level assessment which may indicate presence of health deficits (illness

states).

3. Interview. Another major method of data-gathering is the interview. One type of interviewis

completinga health history for each family member. The health history determines current health

status based on significant past health history (e.g. developmental accomplishments, known

illnesses, allergies, restorative treatment, residence in endemic areas for certain diseases or

exposures to communicable disease); family history (e.g. genetic history in relation to health and

illness) and social history, such as intrapersonal and interpersonal factors affecting the family

member's social adjustment or vulnerability to stress and crisis (Clemen-Stone and others 1991,

p.271)

A second type of intenview is collecting data by personally asking significant family members or relatives

questions regarding health, family life experiences and home environment to generate data on what

wellness condition/s and health problems exist in the family (First-level Assessment, and the

corresponding family nursing problems for each health condition or problem. Ensuring confidentiality

and respect for the families right it self-determination are key principles to consider during all phases of

the nursing process.

The nurse can also collect information from colleagues who work with the family according to their
particular service specialties as well as school personnel, employers, significant others and community

workers who can give reliable and relevant information on the family's life and experiences.

Productivity of the interview process depends upon the use of effective communication techniques to

elicit the needed responses. One major problem encountered by practitioners in gathering data

(especially for the second-level assessment) is how to determine where the client is in terms of

perception of the health condition or problem and the pattern's of coping utilized to resolve or address

it. There is a tendency among community health nurses to readily give out advice, health teachings or

solutions once they have identified the health conditions or problems. There are very few instances

when they determine first the client's perception of the health condition or problem and resources in

dealing with it before they take action or do nursing intervention.

Interview questions and communication techniques must be guided by theoretical perspectives in family

health care. Respect, trust and confidentiality are critical values to maintain when conducting the

interview. Confidence on the use of communication techniques can come after being familiar with and

being competent on the use of types of questions that aim to explore, validate, clarify, offer feedback,

encourage verbalizations of thoughts and feelings, and offer needed support or reassurance.

Second-level assessment can be adequately done for each wellness state, health threat, health deficit

or crisis situation by going through the following steps with family members who may need to help each

other validate interview data on realities or experiences regarding performance of the family health

tasks:

a. Determine if the family recognizes the existence of condition or problem. If the family does

not recognize the presence of the condition or problem, explore the reasons why.

Sample interview questions:

What does the family think about the situation/condition of.. .? (Ano ang

palagay/tingin ninyo sa kalagayano kondisyon ng...?

. What do you think is the reason why he/she appears (e.g. thin, lethargic)?
Or, why do you think he/she is behaving this way.. ? (Ano sa palagay

ninyo ang dahilan kung bakit siya nagkakaganyan?)

b. If the family recognizes the presence of the condition or problem, determine if something

has been done to maintain the welness state or resolve the problem. If the family has not

done something about the problem or condition, determine if the solution is effective.

Sample interview questions:

LWhat has been done to improve the conditlon or situation? (Ano na ang

nagawa para magbago ang kalagayan .. .o mapaigl ang pakiramdam..)

i. What is the family's plan regarding this? (Ano ang binabalak ng pamilya

tungkol dito?)

i. What improvements in the in the condition of.. have been observed?

(Anong mga pagbabago ang inyong napansin sa kalagayan ni..?)

v. What do you think the family should do about..? (Ano sa palagay ninyo

ang dapat gawin ng pamilya tungkol sa...)