Milford chronicle., 1909-03-05
THE CARE OF THE SICK
ROOM AND THE PATIENT
BY MINNIE IKELHEIMER.

BY MINNIE IKELHEIMER.
The room for the patient should
have sunshine, fresh air and quiet.
If it is a contagious disease the
room should be one which the rest
Of the family need not pass, and il
possible, a toilet and sink should be
left to the exclusive use of the nurse.
The furnishings should be simple
and materials that can be washed,
All unnecessary furniture, hang
ings, etc. should be removed to
simplify the work of keeping the
room clean. A few pictures may
be left to keep the room cheerful.
If you have no washable covers for
bureau and tables, use towels. A
single bed is best. A table should
be provided for the medicines, dress
ings, etc, and when the patient is
convalescent a small table near the
bed is convenient for the meal tray.
AS far as possible, keep medicines
out Of the patient S sight. For this
purpose a screen is useful and it
will be convenient during the ven
tilating of the room.
A bureau, or chest Of drawers,
for the patient 5 clothing and the
bed linen should be provided. An
ordinary thermometer, one or two
lightweight hand basins. glasses
and spoons of various sizes, a medi
cine glass and a clinical thermome-
ter for taking the patients tempera-
ture, should form part of the equip
nent Two small chairs and a large
easy chair are necessary.
A well-made bed is a boon to an
invalid Stretch the lower sheet as
tightly as possible, tucking it under
the mattress. If the patient is not
TO move or is unconscious, a draw
sheet adds to his comfort as it can
be changed more easily than the
lower sheet. Place a piece Of rub /
Der sheeting, 81 inches wide and 80 /
inches long, over the lower sheet. |
Just below the pillows. Cover this
with a sheet, folded double, tucking
il in very firmly along one side and
draw it perfectly smooth before
tucking in the other side. This is
the draw sheet and can be removed
if soiled. The upper sheet should
be put on, smoothed and tucked in.
For warmth, blankets are preferable
70 quilts, as they are more easily
washed. Cover the blankets with
a white hOneycomb quilt or sheet
Use no heavy quilts. A number of
small pillows are more easily ar
ranged than one large one. A small
pillow or a single blanket, made
into long roll and covered with a
towel, will often contribute to the
comfort of a patient who is COM
PEELED to lie on his back. Slip this
roll under his knee for 10 TO 80
minutes at a time and he will be
grateful.
Make the bed completely night
and morning, using different sheets
and pillow cases, even if YOU use
the same blankets. To save laundry :
work, the bed linens and night dress d
may be used for two days and then
used for two nights.
When the patient awakens in the L
morning, the face and hands should .
be washed and the teeth cleaned. I
Then he is ready for the first food d
Of the day.
About an hour after this food the s.
bath should be given. .
Slip a blanket, an old one will do, {
1nder the patient, or if he is not to q =
De removed, push it close to the Il
body along side This is to protect -
he sheet and the mattress during D
he bath. Be sure that plenty Of p
lot water is at hand. Place near q
he bed soap, two cloths or sponges, II
me for the face and one for the p
'ody and at least two towels, ~
oft one for the face and Turkish o.
,ath towel for the body. VI
Close all windows and see that
he temperature is about 70 to SO. II
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