The nurse has started to complete a family health tree. Which of the f

The nurse has started to complete a family health tree. Which of the following questions would be most helpful as the nurse works with the family to promote their health?

a. “Can you tell me the cause of death of your older relatives back several generations?”
b. “Do you know of any chronic health problems any of your relatives or their spouses have had?”
c. “What concerns do you have about your family’s health?”
d. “What do your family members do to keep in shape and handle stress?”

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: D
The family health tree is based on the genogram of the current generations—that is, parents, their children, and their own parents. Spouses and past generations aren’t included. The family health tree provides a mechanism for recording the family’s medical and health histories. The nurse should note causes of death of deceased family members, genetically linked diseases, and lifestyle-related risk factors (i.e., by asking what family members do to “handle stress” and “keep in shape”). The family health tree can be used in planning positive familial influences on risk factors such as diet, exercise, coping with stress, or pressure to have a physical examination.