It is best to have no odors in the sick-room unless it be bay rum,
German cologne, or something else especially fancied by the sick
person. Where there is any unpleasant exhalation, it is far better to
let it escape by properly ventilating the room, than to try to
overcome it by the aid of perfumery. In fevers, where there are
offensive exhalations from the body, sponging with tepid water will
help to remove the odor, and will also prove soothing to the patient.
In winter, expose but a small portion of the body at a time, in
sponging. Then rub gently with the hand or a coarse towel, and there
will be no danger of the patient's taking cold, even in winter.
Be careful to keep warm, soft flannels on the sick person in winter.
In summer, do not keep a pile of bedclothes on the patient, even
though chilly. It is better to keep up the circulation by other means,
such as rubbing or stimulants. Scrupulous neatness should be observed
about the bed-linen (as well as the other appointments of the
sick-room). Never use bed-quilts or comforts; they are not only heavy,
but retain the exhalations from the body. Use soft, fleecy blankets
instead.
The nurse should watch her opportunity of having the bedclothes taken
into the fresh air and shaken, and the bed made up, when the patient
has been lifted up and set in an easy-chair near the fire. The
arrangements about the bed should be quickly made, so that the patient
may be able to lie down again as soon as fatigued. Let such sweeping
and dusting as are necessary be also done with dispatch, using a
dust-pan to receive the dust from the carpet. Avoid clouds of dust
from the carpet, and of ashes from the fireplace.
The nurse has a very important part to play, as physicians say that
nursing is of equal importance as medical attendance. The nurse should
be careful not to wear a dress that rustles, nor shoes that creak, and
if the patient has any fancy, or any aversion connected with colors,
she should regard it in her dress. Indeed, the patient should be
indulged in every fancy that is not hurtful.
The nurse should be prompt in every arrangement. Where blisters or
poultices are to be used, she should not wait till the last moment to
prepare them, but should do so before uncovering the patient to apply
them, or even broaching the subject. If anything painful or
distasteful has to be undergone by the patient, it should not be
discussed beforehand with or before the patient; but when all is in
readiness, with cheerful and soothing words, let it be done.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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