The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1893-12-16


THE ETHICS OF NURSING.
Suggestions About the Sickroom That
Should he Observed ut Amy Cost.
First and foremost it is necessary to
carry out to the letter every direction of
the doctor, especially in regard to medi-
cine and diet. Strict obedience to his or
ders and their careful following out will
insure to the patient the best results from
his skill. A large, sunny room, if possible,
should be selected for the invalid. The
room should be kept thoroughly ventilated
and at temperature not lower than 6S
dogs. or higher than 70 dogs. Keep the
air the patient breathes as pure as the ex-
ternal air without chilling him.
Keep the upper sash of the window low
cred q few inches, avoiding, of course, a
draft. Let the patient be well covered
and air may be freely admitted without
the least danger. Far more persons are
killed by the want than by an excess Of
fresh air.
In giving person in bed sponge bath,
either for cleanliness or to lower the tenn
perature in fever, be sure not to uncover
too large q surface at once. Pin q soft
shawl, warm, but not too heavy, around
the shoulders, fastening it at the back and
remove the nightdress under that. Put
the hand under the shawl and sponge the
akin, little ut time, being very careful
not to have the sponge too wet, and dry
with towel. Proceed this way until the
whole body is bathed.
The teeth should be washed with a small
piece Of clean rag dipped in fresh cool
water.
A woman's hair should be combed every
day IL she can stand it without too much
fatigue If allowed to go from day to day
it becomes SO matted that it is almost Inn
possible to disentangle it. Braided in two
braids it is far more comfortable than when
arranged in one, for each braid can be
drawn we'll to one side. avoiding the hard
ridge one braid sometimes Makes and
which becomes very tiresome to lie upon.
II, unfortunately, the hair becomes tan
gled, a little sweet oil will loosen it and
render it more easily combed. Use coarse
comb. combfng gently downward from a
point near the ends of the hair and gradu-
ally approaching the head at each move
ment. This will remove all the loose hairs
without needless pulling.
Be particularly neat and precise regard
ing the cleanliness of the sickroom. Do
not, however, make the mistake of using q
feather duster, rs this only transfers the
dust from one place to another instead of
removing it entirely. The furniture and
woodwork should be wiped with damp
cloth. II there is u carpet in the room
brush it lightly each day with broom
slghtly wetted to keep the dust from ris-
ing in the air.
Should the patient be allowed to eat
fruit, a few grapes or an orange peeled and
divided may be kept on plate over bowl
Of ice. The GOODNESS thus obtained causes
the fruit to be much more grateful to the
palate To obtain cracked ice without un-
necessary pounding and in the presence Of
the invalid, wrap small lump in folded
towel and use a long stout pin to break off
tie pieces. II the point is pressed firmly
near the edge of the block fragments can
be easily separated.
In preparing meal for any one whose
appetite is delicate care should be taken to
make it look as enticing as possible The
tray should be decked out in its snowiest,
daintiest cover. The glass, silver and
china should absolutely shine, while the
repast itself should consist of few choice
/. bits; not large portion of each Wand, but
each delicately and temptingly served.
There is nothing that 80 quickly dis
gusts a feeble appetite as a quantity Of
food presented at one time.
Above all, do not worry the patient re-
gar1ing what he shall eat or drink. Pre-
pare something he is known to like and of
which the doctor approves without any
previous comment It IL your duty to
think for your charge Anticipate his
wants before he has had time to express
&bem.
, Do not fdget him with questions regard
ing whether he is too hot or too cold,
whether he prefers beef tea or chicken
broth for his Observation-Disclosures
Times.
How to Help the Doctor.
A we'll known doctor once complained to
the writer that he had the greatest trouble