This document discusses the importance of understanding family dynamics and structure when providing nursing care. Paragraph 1 notes that the traditional definition of family has expanded and it is important for nurses to understand family roles, relationships, and involvement to enhance patient compliance and influence health outcomes. Paragraph 2 states that the definition of family has evolved from traditional married couples and children to include various structures like single parents, LGBTQ+ families, and multigenerational households. Understanding different family structures enables accurate assessment of patient needs and identification of gaps in meeting those needs. The family systems theory views the family as a whole to study processes and problems, though each member has individual roles and goals that influence others.

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I need a 2 or 3 sentence comment for each paragraphParagraph 1Today’s family reaches
beyond the traditional definition and encompasses societal units of single-parent families;
lesbian , bisexual, gay, transgender, queer, and questioning (LBGTQ+) families’ children
raised by grandparents or other relatives; multigenerational units; and people who are
together out of friendship and love, not bloodlines”. It is important to understand the family
dynamics of the patient, their roles and relationships so nurses can better understand
family structure and their involvement. Involving families in care and education can
enhance patient compliance. Family members can affect health of an individual based on
their social characteristics, culture, the influences from their neighborhood, community and
society (Sharma, 2013). Health seeking behaviors and preferences may also be influences
by family structure and the changing dynamics of family composition can impact lifestyles
and heath related risk factors (Sharma, 2013). Nurses have a powerful position to create a
therapeutic relationship with patients and families and involving those who influence the
health and wellbeing of an individual in efficient, quality health care (Ponte, et al., 2007).
Nurses who are confident in their ability to acknowledge family structure and what patients
and families need, can successfully implement actions to encourage high quality care. “The
family influences on each other can be engaged to assist patients and family members make
choices and changes for better health”Paragraph 2The definition of “family” has evolved
over generations and expanded from the traditional male and female married couple and
their children living under one roof to that of the modern way in which people are
interacting with each other and carrying out relationships. Coinciding with the way people
are relating to one and other today, the definition a family has broaden to “societal units of
single-parent families; lesbian, bisexual, gay, trans gender, queer, and questioning
(LBGTQ+) families; children raised by grandparents or other relatives; multi generational
units; and people who are together out of friendship and love, not bloodlines. The form and
function of the family dynamics directly influence the overall health of an individual. This is
why understanding the different family structures and not assuming the “non-traditional”
structure will enable the nurse to make accurate assessments on the health care needs of
the individual as well as identifying gaps to meeting those needs and formulating a plan
while honoring their preferences, beliefs and values. Understanding the family structure
will give the nurse insight to the plan for aftercare and how well the goals will be met in the
home setting. The family systems theory takes a look at the family as a whole system rather
than individual members to study the family processes and problems. However, each family

2. member has their own individual role, feelings, behaviors and goals that influence the rest
of the family. Considering the family system will help nurses understand the interaction of
the family because any “modification by an individual within the system can change the
family’s finances, health, housing, communication, and dreams. Once a change is made
within the member of the family then the dynamics in the whole system start to shift, which
can result in either positive outcomes for everyone or create stressors and tensions for the
other members to adapt to. Involving the whole family in the assessment and planning of
care will create an environment of support and encouragement, promote education and
increase the probability of healthier, positive behaviors.