Gordon's functional health patterns

Gordon's functional health patterns is a method devised by Marjory Gordon to be used by nurses in the nursing process to provide a more comprehensive nursing assessment of the patient.

The following questions pertain to those asked by the nurse to provide an overview of the individual's health status and health practices that are used to reach the current level of health or wellness.

History (subjective data):

Client’s general health? Any colds in past year? If appropriate: any absences from work/school? Most important things you do to keep healthy? Use of cigarettes, alcohol, drugs? Perform self exams, i.e. Breast/testicular self-examination? Accidents at home, work, school, driving? In past, has it been easy to find ways to carry out doctor’s or nurse’s suggestions? (If appropriate) What do you think caused current illness? What actions have you taken since symptoms started? Have your actions helped? (If appropriate) What things are most important to your health? How can we be most helpful? How often do you exercise?

This pattern describes nutrient intake relative to metabolic need.

History (subjective data):

Typical daily food intake? (Describe) Use of supplements, vitamins, types of snacks?

Typical daily fluid intake? (Describe)

Weight loss/gain? Height loss/gain?

Appetite? Breastfeeding? Infant feeding?

Food or eating: Discomfort, swallowing difficulties, diet restrictions, able to follow?

Healing – any problems?

Skin problems: lesions? Dryness?

Dental problems?

Examination (examples of objective data):

Skin assessment, oral mucous membranes, teeth, actual weight/height, temperature.

Abdominal assessment.

Describes the function of the bowel, bladder and skin. Through this pattern the nurse is able to determine regularity, quality, and quantity of stool and urine.

History (subjective data):

Bowel elimination pattern (describe) Frequency, character, discomfort, problem with bowel control, use of laxatives (i.e. type, frequency), etc.? Urinary elimination pattern (describe) Frequency, problem with bladder control? Excess perspiration? Odour problems? Body cavity drainage, suction, etc.?

Examination (examples of objective data):

If indicated, examine excretions or drainage for characteristics, colour, and consistency. Abdominal assessment.

This pattern centers on activity level, exercise program, and leisure activities.

History (subjective data):

Sufficient energy for desired and/or required activities? Exercise pattern? Type? regularity? Spare time (leisure) activities? Child-play activities? Perceived ability for feeding, grooming, bathing, general mobility, toileting, home maintenance, bed mobility, dressing and shopping?

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