American Red Cross Text-Book on Home Hygiene and Care of the SickAmerican National Red Cross
Science
American Red Cross Text-Book on Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick
American National Red Cross
Home nursing; Hygiene; Nurses; Nursing
DRAW SHEETS are used to cover rubber sheets, and to protect beds when
the rubbers are not used. In hospitals special draw sheets are usually
provided, but an ordinary sheet folded answers every purpose. New and
expensive sheets should not be used for draw sheets, since they are
more likely than other sheets to become stained. Draw sheets should be
wide enough to extend about four inches beyond the rubber sheet at the
top and bottom.
PILLOW COVERS.--Pillow covers are generally made of cotton, but persons
who can afford the cost frequently prefer linen, especially in hot
weather. Unless fastened with buttons or tapes, a pillow case should be
several inches longer than its pillow. It should be wide enough to slip
on easily, but not so wide that it wrinkles or allows the pillow to
turn. If it is too small the pillow will become hard and uncomfortable.
These small things, unimportant as they are to the well, may cause much
discomfort to a restless or nervous patient.
BLANKETS.--All wool blankets are both light and warm, and are
consequently the most comfortable bed covering. But unless they can be
dry cleaned frequently, it is better to select blankets made from one
part wool and two parts cotton. Blankets containing equal parts of wool
and cotton are warmer, but are more injured by washing. Very light
blankets of wool or outing flannel are useful in summer. Double blankets
should always be cut in two and bound at the ends, since single blankets
are easier than double blankets to handle and wash. Patients are
frequently too warmly covered by day. Too much warmth is enervating, it
causes the patient to perspire, and makes him restless and more
susceptible to draughts and to changes of temperature. Two light
blankets are warmer and more comfortable than one heavy blanket.
COMFORTERS AND QUILTS.--Heavy cotton comforters are burdensome without
being correspondingly warm. Eiderdown quilts or those padded with wool
are good for a patient who sleeps out of doors, or whose room is kept at
a low temperature. Bed covers that cannot be laundered readily should be
protected by basting on both sides of the top a wide piece of muslin or
linen, which can be removed and washed.
COUNTERPANES.--White dimity counterpanes are desirable, since they are
light in weight, easily laundered, and inexpensive. A heavy counterpane
is uncomfortable at any time, and still more uncomfortable in sickness.
If a light spread is not available, a sheet makes a good substitute. A
counterpane should be wide enough to cover the sheets and blankets at
the sides when the bed is open, and long enough to protect the bedding
at the top and bottom.
BED MAKING
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