Functional health patterns: the postanesthesia care unit's approach to identification

Functional health patterns, designed by Marjorie Gordon RN, PhD, FAAN, have become an integral part of nursing documentation. These allow for the identification of potential problems that may occur during a patient's hospitalization. Hence, a nursing diagnosis is formulated and communicated. This is usually accomplished via nursing care plans. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief discussion on the evolution of functional health patterns and nursing diagnosis. Second, the adaptation and practical application of this theory in the PACU is explored. Last, a detailed description of the Saddleback Memorial Medical Center's new PACU nurses' notes is included along with a case presentation.