For example, men are notated by squares and women by circles, with ages inputted inside the frame (Nichols, 2010, p. domestic violence, substance abuse, relationship difficulties) as well as cultural beliefs, values, attitudes and health practices (Shellenberger, et al, 369-370).The Genogram As An Assessment Tool Nursing EssayĪfter the patient assessment is complete the information can be transformed into an organizational family tree type drawing with symbols used to identify gender. Genograms can find a link in a family history that indicate psychosocial problems (i.e. Common themes like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension are just a few that tends to be hereditary. The answers to these questions and questions relating to biological heredity will indicate whether there are common themes that show up through generations which would indicate possible cause to current medical or psychological concerns (125). In addition, dates and relationships provide the framework to explore emotional boundaries, triangles, fusion and cutoffs between family members, and critical conflicts that occur among family members (125). Other significant information included in the genogram would be concerns regarding pregnancies, illnesses, hospitalizations, deaths, and even psychiatric problems such as depression, anxieties, and phobias (Nichols, 2010, 125). 369).The Genogram As An Assessment Tool Nursing Essay It would also include answers relating to the patient’s nuclear family such as who lives in the household (name, age, gender, occupation, and education), where the other members live, and what health related changes or problems have the family faced most recently (Shellenberger, et al, p. Â The therapist or practitioner would include important events, such as deaths, marriages, and divorces all deserve careful study (Nichols, 2010, 125).
![genogram genogram](https://www.conceptdraw.com/How-To-Guide/picture/HEALTH-Genogram-Medical-Family-Genogram24.png)
To start a genogram, one begins with basic answers to questions taken in during the intake session at the patient’s first visit to the family physician or family therapist. The genogram can also be used to focus attention on the biopsychosocial context of the patient’s health and wellness concerns (368).The Genogram As An Assessment Tool Nursing Essay The genogram that includes biological history and cultural history has been found to be a resourceful instrument that is becoming part of the client’s medical records (368).
![genogram genogram](https://forum.nwoods.com/uploads/db3963/original/2X/6/68ef61fd658be3e2b85d69b1868e7d4614d0a2a4.png)
Adding a cultural layer to the genogram has assisted many medical physicians in understanding the reasons why some patients don’t understand the medical diganosis and refuse medical treatment (372). A Genogram is a resourceful clinical tool that is being used by family therapists and medical professions as an assessment tool to assist in identifying a patient’s important family information (Shellenberger, et al, 2007, 368).