The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-06-26
Nursing the Sick.

uenco Lnen may render undValllnS all
the watchful anxiety of the previous
weeks.
Some of these dangers are common to
all illnesses; others need only be appre-
hended in special diseases.
An invalid is peculiarly liable to take
cold when first allowed to sit up.
The room should be slightly warmer
than usual, the chair or couch on which
he is to sit covered with blanket, and
he himself well wrapped in blankets and
shawls. If possible, close-ftting fan
nels should be worn, and the feet must
be covered with stockings. He should
not be allowed to remain too long out of
bed the first time, and it is well to have
it warmed before he returns to it.
No visitors should be admitted, and
all excitement should be avoided until
he has had time to rest after the exer-
ton.
Except those actually engaged in the
care OF the sufferer not more than one
friend at once should ever be allowed to
enter the sick-room. In some cases
quiet is absolutely essential to recovery,
and it is always desirable.
hO flplOOl SlU WutI0 UUe III
valid can see without being obliged to
turn his head. No discussions or agi-
Eating subjects of conversation should
be introduced. 1t is particularly desir-
able to avoid accounts of similar cases
that have terminated fatally, or of
miraculous cures that have been per-
formed by another doctor in marvel
ously short space of time.
1t seems almost incredible that such
stupidity can exist; yet kind-hearted,
well-educated persons have been guilty
of choosing just such depressing topics
in their efforts to cheer an ailing friend.
The weakness and languor insepara-
BILE from long illness render GONZALES
cence sometimes very tedious and
trying time. The small stock of
strength is unequal to the demands
made upon it, and it should be hus-
banded in every possible way.
At night the invalid should have some-
thing to take the last thing before going
to sleep; any light nourishment will an
swer-a cup of cocoa, beef-tea, or thin
custard. A delicate sandwich and if
stimulant is ordered, a glass of wine
taken then will prevent exhaustion dur
ing sleep.
The early morning hours, from three
to five, are the most trying of the twen-
ty-four. The powers of life are at their
lowest ebb, and should be REINFORCED
by food.
If it is impossible to heat any thing, a
cold drink is better than nothing. Hall
a pint of milk, with the white of one
egg beaten up in it, may be given. There
Is usually little appetite at this early
hour, and something must be chosen
that can be easily taken.
A small apparatus for use in the sick
room is sold by many apothecaries, and
will be found very convenient. 1t con-
sists of small metal plate covered with
wire gauze. Above it is tripod large
enough to support tin cup that will
hold pint. The saucer is filled with
alcohol, which, when lighted, will heat
cupful of fluid in few minutes
There is, of course, no smoke or smell
The room of a convalescent should
be made to look as bright and cherry al
| possible. Trifing changes may b,
made in the arrangement of the furni
ture; new picture. or one from an
other part of the house, hung where i
can easily be seen by the invalid.
Illustrated newspapers or new book,
placed on the table, a few cut flowers
and one or two plants in bloom dc
much to brighten a room.
After typhoid fever and diphtheria il
should be borne in mind that great dan
ger to life exists for several weeks The
diet should be most carefully regulated,
and no exertion whatever permitted.
In the latter disease, in scarlet fever
and measles, cold is especially TO be
guarded against.
Fresh bed linen and undertaking
must be warmed before being used, and
all draughts jealousy excluded.
After measles the eyes should not be
used too soon for reading, writing, OF
sewing, else permanent injury TO the
sight may be the result
Reading aloud should not be contin
ued too long at one time. The strain
upon the attention of the listener is IA
tiguing, and it is well to leave interval:
of rest.
There should be gradual return to
the ordinary habits of everyday life.
Who that has been long ill does moi
remember the delicious feeling of re
turning strength and the joy of fully re
covered health; the pleasure of the triI
to the seaside or the mountains, accom-
panied, perhaps, by the dear face tina
has watched beside the sick-bed through
so many weary days and nights with
such constant, accomplishing, unweary
ing loveP
If the disease has been infectious, ont
thing remains to be done by those whC
remain at home, and that is thoroughly
to disinfect the room and every article
that has been used in it.
This is best effected by pasting owe
with strips of paper every crack abou
windows and doors, placing large dishe
of chloride of lime on the floor, ant
pouring strong vinegar on them. Tn,
chloride gas that is generated is an et
fectual purifier. The vapor from burn
ing sulphur is an excellent disinfectant
but the fumes bleach white any colo
exposed to them. 1t is understood tina
no one must remain in the room.
Every article of clothing that can no
be washed should be destroyed. Al
that can be sent to the laundry shoul'
be washed in hot carbolic soapsuds il
the proportion of one part of carboli