CHAPTER 1/ Families and Communities^5
Vary depending on type and structure of family, including number
and age of members and ethnic-cultural background.
May change as a result of the illness or the changes in the needs of
a child. Illness can cause stress in a family, and that stress can in
turn increase the distress of the child.TYPES OF FAMILIES
Types of families may be described in different ways, and needs may vary
based on family composition and function. The type of family a child belongs
to may include
Nuclear family:Husband (usually the provider), wife (usually homemaker
although frequently works also), and child/children.
Reconstituted/binuclear/blended family: Child or children and one
parent in one home and another parent in a different home. A stepparent
and step-siblings may be present in one or both homes, reconstituting
two families into one and resulting in two blended nuclear families.
Cohabitation family: A man and woman who live together with a child
or children without being married.
Single-parent family: A man or woman living with one or more
children.
Gay/lesbian family: Two men or two women who live together as parents
to one or more biological or adopted children.
Extended family: Multigenerational groups consisting of parents and
children with other relatives (i.e., grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins,
grandchildren).NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Perform a family assessment to determine the presence or absence of
support for the child during and after hospitalization.
Identify and collaborate with key individuals within the family unit to
promote restoration and maintenance of health after the child is dis-
charged home.
Plan activities to minimize separation of child from family.
Involve parents and family in care activities to promote learning for
after-discharge care.
Assess the home environment and determine the presence of contribut-
ing factors to pediatric illness and risk factors for additional physical or
psychological health problems.
Collaborate with family members to minimize risk factors and prepare
the home environment to meet the needs of the pediatric client and ensure
follow-up after discharge.2