A reference hand-book for nursesBeck, Amanda K. (Amanda Kathryn)
Science
A reference hand-book for nurses
Beck, Amanda K. (Amanda Kathryn)
Nursing
=Management.=—The preventive measures described in connection with
scarlet fever are applicable in measles. The room should be maintained
at a temperature of 70° F., and should be moderately darkened. The bed
should be so arranged that the face will be directed away from the
light. Milk, broths, and gruels are suitable forms of nourishment.
The temperature, pulse, respiration, hours of sleep, quantity of
nourishment, amount of urine, and the effects of therapeutic measures
should be carefully noted as in other fevers. Daily inunctions of the
body with cold cream or olive oil are useful. Spraying the nose and
throat with a mild antiseptic solution, and washing the eyes with boric
acid solution (15 grains to the ounce of water) are usually ordered.
Hot baths and hot drinks are indicated when the rash is delayed. Fever
is generally controlled by sponging. Great care is necessary during
convalescence to avert complications.
DIPHTHERIA.
Diphtheria is an acute contagious disease characterized by moderate
fever of an irregular type, and of from one to two weeks’ duration;
by considerable weakness and prostration; and by the formation of
a grayish or whitish false membrane upon the throat, nose, larynx,
and adjacent parts. The exciting cause of disease is the _bacillus
of diphtheria_, which is found chiefly in secretions of the affected
mucous membrane. The constitutional symptoms are due to the absorption
of a toxin produced by this bacillus.
Diphtheria involving the larynx is sometimes termed _true croup_ or
pseudomembranous croup. This form is characterized by irregular fever,
hoarseness of the voice, croupy cough, and progressive difficulty
in breathing. Death frequently results from suffocation, unless
tracheotomy or intubation of the larynx be performed.
The chief =complications= of diphtheria are pneumonia, degeneration of
the heart-muscle, inflammation of the middle ear, and paralysis the
result of an inflammation of the nerves.
=Preventive measures= consist in isolation of the sick, the thorough
disinfection of the bedroom, bedding, clothing, and all articles used
by the sick, and the administration of an immunizing dose (500 units)
of antitoxin (see page 25) to those who have already come in contact
with the patient or who have otherwise been exposed to the contagion.
The sick-room should be well ventilated and maintained at a temperature
of 70° F. The atmosphere should be made moist by slaking lime in the
room or by generating steam in a kettle. In membranous laryngitis
treatment in a steam-moistened tent is desirable. On account of the
tendency to sudden heart failure absolute quiet and rest are to be
enjoined. The diet should consist of milk, unseasoned broths, koumiss,
junket, and eggs.
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