Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-05-11
On Care Of the Sick.

AL d itiluIe Oh tHe care OI the SICK
given recently in New York. many
timely and helpful suggestions were
offered. The demonstration was by n
trained nurse who began by showing
how to prepare bed for the reception
of patient.
1t is advised always to have. If pos
sible, two narrow beds, that the patient
may be transferred readily from one to
the other when necessary to change
bedding, but if the wide bed is placed
so that the nurse can go to both sides,
it will answer. a hair mattress. light
blankets and sheets are to be used II
a counterpart be used for the sake of
appearances, it should be light, as it is
important that the patient be kept
warm without unnecessary weight of
clothing.
Prepare solution of one teaspoonful
of carbolic acid in one quart of water,
and sprinkle lightly over the mattress
with a whisk brush, There is no dan
ger of taking cold from dampness. Lay
the sheet, which should be long enough
to tuck well under both ends Of the
mattress. smoothly over the bed. and
draw tightly the ends and sides SO that
there shall be no possibility of a wrin-
kle to disturb the patient. perhaps
causing bed sores. over this spread 4
piece of white rubber sheeting. cover
ing the middle of the bed and tucking
we'll under both sides: over this place
a small draw sheet not much larger,
or large sheet folded double. The
bed is now ready for the upper sheet
and blankets. The nurse showed how
tlia,- ba hadclpt HING ,,nJor in S,1..f
a way as to make neat, perfectly square
corners.
When the patient has undergone an
operation the bed is prepared for his re-
ception so that there may be no delay in
covering. by folding the upper sheet and
blankets backward and forward in i.n
accordion-pleating. down to the foot of
the bed, and laying hot-water bottle at
the foot in readiness. Then. when he is
brought in from the room where the oper-
alton has been performed, wrapped in 4
blanket, the bedclothes can be drawn up
in an instant and the wrapping drawn
from under without leaving him exposed
to draughtS.
moving the patient from the bed, fold
the sheet in the accordion-pleatinS from
one side of the bed close to the person.
have the fresh sheet folded in the same
manner. half its width. and place against
the first. the other half covering the bare
mattress, and rolling the patient gently
from you. push the two well under him.
Go to the other side and roll him back on
the fresh sheet, remove the Soiled one,
and smooth out the fresh sheet.
The draw sheet, rubber and under sheet
may be changed at the same time in this
way. To change the upper sheet. remove
all but the sheet and one blanket. Over
these lay the fresh sheet and Il blanket,
and remove the soiled sheet with the
blanket over it.
The nurse emphasized the necessity for
quiet movements and cheerful faces in
the sick room. No whispering should be
allowed. and depressing influence
should he admitted. as a sick person is
extremely sensitive. Care should be
taken not to jar the bed. and, in chang
ing clothing. not to lift the mattress sud-
denly or higherthan absolutely necessary.
Dust must be avoided, and the best way
to sweep" the sick room is to rub the
carpet with a damp cloth.
If the patient must be lifted and two
can assist, as in uncontagious diseases, one
should stand on each side of the bed and
place their hands together. palms meet
ing. under the shoulders and lower part
of body
All medicines should be kept out of
are permitted. except at the moment of
administering them. Cut flowers must he
removed from the room at night, and be-
fore being brought back must have all
the faded blossoms removed and the
Others placed in fresh water