A nurse is working with the family of a pediatric client. When planning to obtain an accurate family assessment, which initial step is the most appropriate?

Question

1. Establish a trusting relationship with the family.
2. Select the most relevant family-assessment tool.
3. Focus primarily upon the mother, while learning her greatest concern.
4. Observe the family in the home setting, since this step always proves indispensable.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Establishment of a trusting relationship between the family and the nurse is the essential preliminary step in obtaining an accurate family assessment. There is benefit when the tool used matches the family's strengths and resources; however, selecting the most relevant family-assessment tool is not indispensable to accuracy in the assessment. Focusing primarily upon the mother while learning her greatest concern is counterproductive and prevents the nurse from acknowledging multiple perceptions held by the family's members. Observing the family in the home setting is only recommended in some cases.