Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-05-06
tons and button-holes oil the way
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is not possible, the attendant should dip
cloth in water, wiring it rs dry as pos
sible, and lightly wipe over the floor, or
even the carpet, so as to take M all dust
which is injurious. 49,
All the utensils in q sick.room should
be carried outside and cleansed thorough
" every day. II it be contagious dis
case there should be no carpet on the
floor and as few woollen articles as pos
sible about the room, because the dis
ease germs secrete themselves more
readily in woollen than in cotton fabrics.
The nurses dress should always be q
wash goods.
A lady once had scarlet-fever in her
house during winter. The next summer
she went 10 the country, carrying a lot
OF winter clothing with her. Some OF
these articles were, with the kindest in
tentions, given to persons in her neigh
borhood in nearly every house scarlet
fever followed the gift.
There is very pernicious custom OF
drying promiscuous clothing in a sick
room around the fire, which cannot be
too heartily condemned. The effluvia
which the heat expels from them arises
and thoroughly poisons the atmosphere.
1t is one of the beautiful and blessed
provisions Of nature that sunshine has a
most purifying effect Its saving
presence should be welcome to the sick
room whenever it is possible.
QUIET.
There is no duty OF the nurse more
important than that Of securing for her
patient oil possible sleep and quietness.
Tired natures sweet restorer, balmy
sleep" is 30 healing and comforting TO
the sufferer that it is rarely advisable to
awaken one for medicine or nourish-
ment, except in certain cases, indicated
by the physician. The necessary noises
of the household should be silenced at
an early hour, so as to secure long,
quiet night, and little maps in the day
should be encouraged. The nurse should
move about with firm, quiet step; all
tip-toeing, creaking shoes, iangling keys,
squeaking doors, tapping blinds or shut
tiers, rustling dress, or any worrying and
unnecessary noise should be avoided.
The best physicians agree in saying
that serious injury is frequently done TO
their patients by the indiscriminate adj
mission OF visitors TO the sick-room.
There is an excitement attendant upon
any ones coming or going. and it is very
difficult for a strong. hearty person, Just
from the fresh outer world to adapt his
voice and conversation TO the tense
nerves and PROSTATE condition Of the
patient. II is q great mistake to imagine
that children do not notice and feel
these things. ! have seen a child turn
away with a suppressed groan from some
kiadly-meant but loudly-spoken express
sions Of good will and hope of recovery.
We all love our friends and are CRATE
ful TO them for any attention III sickness
or trouble, but the kinGest and most
delicate thing to be done in a case of i'll
ness is simply to make call of inquiry
at the door and offer expressions of in
terest. "Another abominable habit, "
says distinguished Virginia physician,
"is whispering in the presence of the
sick, especially when accompanied with
significant glances toward the sufferer"
The mind is strained to catch the whis-
pered words, and anxiety is aroused
which is apt to act iniuriously.
CHEEBFULNEss.
Some physicians have the rare gilt Of
cheeriunoss. They carry sunshine
about with them. The patient catches
the pleasant contagion and really feels
better after merely seeing him. If the
nurse can also catch the spirit OF cheer
fulness the patient is in good hands. A
smile or good hearty laugh is worth
many doses OF medicine. TO this end
the conversation in sick-rOOm should
never be funeral or exciting. l once
saw a dear little girl i'll with malarial-
fever. Her grandmother nursed her
very tenderlv and did all she could for
her, but she told me in the child
presence of what she was going to do
"U she gets WcH." That little word
with such boundless portent was, to say
the least, unfortunate. ! once bad vi
sitor when one Of my own little boys
lay very i'll. BY way of cheering me up
and preparing me for the inevitable, she
! told me "he certainly would make a
lovely corpse"
The nurse must not forget to take all
possible rest, nourishment, and a short
walk in the fresh air when off duty, for
these things are requisites to a happy,
healthful, and efficient service.
MEDICINES AND FOOD.
There is a very simple and excellent
plan adopted in all hospitals which is
very convenient in any case OF prolonged
illness this is to arrange little
schedule every morning, setting down
the hours at which medicines are to be
given, and when nourishment is re-
quired. This prevents much confusion
and neglect, which is often caused by the
unavoidable forgetfulness of a care
burdened mind. 1t is wise to learn as
early as possible to take the temperature,
pulse. and respiration of the patient at
various hours OF the day and night, so
os to be able TO give the physician a
clear account Of the patients condition
between his visits.
Sometimes the physician is baffled by
the appearance OF symptoms for which
he knows no provoking cause. After
persistent inquiry he discovers that a
friend had called and told how she had
been wonderfully helped by certain
remedies, and these have been used be-
hind his back with the blandest igno-
rance OF the feet that they would con-
flict with the doctors treatment. / have
seen persons who think they can commit
any imprudence in diet or exposure pro-
vided they can keep Doctor from find
ing it out"
Suitable food is prescribed by the ply
stefan, which must be carefully prepared,
aud given according to directions as
faithfully as the medicines, for it is
very important part OF the cure. 1t