GORDON’S 11
FUNCTIONAL
HEALTH PATTERN
GROUP E2
Submitted to
Sean Juvan S. Sycip MSN, RN
Presented by
Aliñabo, Caingcoy, Catubig, Geconcillo, Jimar, Nonato, Palencia,
Quibedo, Tabada, and Villarosa
Contents
1 Introduction
A. Overview
B. Historical Context
C. Significance in Nursing
D. Introduction to comprehensive
patient assessment
2 Gordon’s 11 Functional Health
Patterns
INTRODUCTION
Overview and historical context
Gordon's Functional Health Patterns, developed by nursing theorist Marjory
Gordon, are a comprehensive framework consisting of 11 distinct health
patterns.
Historical Context
This conceptual model emerged in the 1980s and was designed to guide
nurses in conducting a holistic assessment of an individual's health status.
The patterns cover various facets of a person's health, providing a
structured approach to understanding a patient's overall well-being.
INTRODUCTION
Significance in nursing assessment and care
The significance of Gordon's Functional Health Patterns lies in their ability to provide
a systematic and holistic framework for nurses to assess a patient's health. By
evaluating these 11 patterns, nurses gain a comprehensive understanding of an
individual's health needs, allowing for more accurate and personalized care planning.
Introduction to comprehensive patient assessment
Gordon's Functional Health Patterns offer a structured methodology to examine an
individual's health status by considering various aspects. This approach aids in
identifying health concerns, developing suitable care plans, and fostering a more
patient-centered approach to healthcare.
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
1. Health Perception-Health Management Pattern
It focuses on comprehending an individual's perception of health and their
management practices, including their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related
to their well-being.
Example assessment questions:
How has your general health been?
Any colds in the past year? If appropriate, absences from work/school?
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
2. Nutritional-Metabolic Pattern
It involves a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's dietary intake, metabolic
health, and the body's ability to utilize nutrients. This assessment typically includes
analyzing dietary habits, energy levels, body composition, and biochemical markers
to determine if the individual's nutritional needs are being met.
Example assessment questions:
Typical daily food intake? Describe. Supplements?
Typical daily fluid intake? Describe.
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
3. Elimination Pattern
It encompasses the assessment of bowel and bladder functioning. This involves
examining factors such as frequency, color, volume, regularity, consistency, and efficiency
of a patient's bowel movements and any associated discomfort or abnormalities in both
bowel and bladder functions.
Example assessment questions:
Bowel elimination pattern? Describe. Frequency? Character? Discomfort? Problem in
control? Laxatives?
Urinary elimination pattern? Describe. Frequency? Discomfort? Problem in control?
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
4. Activity-Exercise Pattern
It involves assessing an individual's physical activity and exercise habits. Nurses
evaluate the frequency, duration, intensity, and type of exercise routines the
individual engages in.
Example assessment questions:
Sufficient energy for desired/required activities?
Exercise pattern? Type? Regularity?
Do you have any breathing problem?
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
5. Cognitive-Perceptual Pattern
It involves evaluating various mental processes such as memory, problem-solving,
attention, language, and decision-making. These assessments could involve tasks like
recalling information, following instructions, orientation to time and place, or identifying
cognitive deficits related to injury or illness.
Example assessment questions:
Hearing difficulty? Aid?
Vision? Wear glasses? Last checked?
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
6. Sleep-Rest Pattern
Assessing sleep patterns involves a comprehensive evaluation of an
individual's sleep habits, duration, quality, and any disturbances.
Example assessment questions
Generally rested and ready for daily activities after sleep?
Sleep-onset problems? Aids? Dreams (nightmares)? Early awakening?
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
7. Self-Perception-Self-Concept Pattern
It involves evaluating an individual's perception of themselves, their body image, and
the feelings they hold about their self-worth. These assessments help in
comprehending how individuals view themselves and their confidence levels.
Example assessment questions
How would you describe yourself? Most of the time, do you feel good (not so good)
about yourself?
What is your self-perception about yourself?
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
8. Role-Relationship Pattern
It involves evaluating an individual's social connections, support systems, and roles they
play within their social environment. Nurses examine an individual's relationships,
including family dynamics, friendships, work connections, and community involvement.
Understanding the quality, dynamics, and importance of these relationships and roles
aids in comprehending an individual's social support and responsibilities.
Example assessment questions
Live alone? Family? Family structure? Draw diagram.
Any family problems you have difficulty handling (nuclear/extended)?
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
9. Sexuality-Reproductive Pattern
This assessment includes understanding sexual history, practices, and behaviors,
contraceptive use, reproductive health issues, fertility concerns, sexually transmitted
infections, sexual dysfunctions, and overall sexual satisfaction. It also encompasses
examining the reproductive health status, which involves assessing menstrual health,
fertility issues, and any challenges related to the reproductive system.
Example assessment questions:
If appropriate to age/situation, is your sexual relationships satisfying? Changes?
Problems?
Do you have any sexual problem?
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
10. Coping-Stress Tolerance Pattern
Stress assessment involves identifying and evaluating
stressors, which can be environmental, psychological, or
physiological factors that trigger stress responses.
Example assessment questions:
Any big changes in your life in the last year or two? Crisis?
Who’s most helpful in talking things over?
Gordon’s 11 Functional
Health Patterns
11. Value-Belief Pattern
Understanding an individual's values and beliefs is crucial in comprehending their
health behaviors and decision-making processes. Exploring these values and beliefs
helps healthcare professionals tailor care plans that align with the patient's
perspectives and cultural inclinations, fostering better engagement and cooperation
in their health journey.
Example assessment questions:
What is your religion?
Is religion important in your life? If appropriate, does this help when difficulties arise?
ANY QUESTIONS
References:
Functional Health Patterns - M. Gorden. (n.d.).
[Link]
Themes, U. (2016, June 12). Functional Health Patterns Assessment
Guidelines. Nurse Key. [Link]
patterns-assessment-guidelines/
THANK YOU!
