Scientific American Supplement, No. 470, January 3, 1885Various
Science
Scientific American Supplement, No. 470, January 3, 1885
Various
Science -- Periodicals
These natural efforts were artificially aided as far as possible. At 5:45
P.M. natural respiration was fairly though insufficiently established, the
skin began to lose its deadly hue, and titillation of the fauces caused
weak reflex contractions. Flagellation with wet towels was now freely
resorted to, and immediately the natural efforts at respiration were
increased to twice their previous number. The administration of a little
brandy and water by the mouth failed, as the liquid entered the larynx.
Ammonia was applied to the nostrils, and the surface temperature was
increased by warm applications and clothing. At 6 P.M. artificial
respiration was no longer necessary. The heart sounds then numbered 140 to
the minute, the right and left heart still acting separately. A very small
radial pulse could also be felt. At 6:45 P.M. the woman was put to bed,
warmth of surface maintained, and hot coffee and beef-tea given in small
quantities.
Great restlessness and jactitation set in with the renewal of the
circulation in the extremities. An enema of two ounces of strong beef-tea
was administered at 10 P.M. The amount of organic effluvium thrown off by
the lungs on the re-establishment of respiration was very great and
tainted the atmosphere of the room and adjoining ward. The pupils,
previously widely dilated, began to contract to light at 11 P.M. Imperfect
consciousness returned at 5 P.M. the following day (Dec. 1), and about an
hour later she vomited the contents of the stomach (bread, etc., taken on
Nov. 30). Small quantities of beef-tea were given by the mouth during the
night. At 9 A.M. air entered the lungs freely, and there were no symptoms
of pulmonary engorgement beyond slight basic hypostasis; the pulse
remained at 140, and the heart sounds reduplicated; she was semiconscious,
very drowsy, in a state of mental torpor, with confused ideas when roused,
and she complained of rheumatic-like pains all over her.
The temperature was 100.2°; the facial expression more natural; the tongue
remained somewhat swollen and sore; she was no longer restless; she took
tea, beef-tea, milk, etc., well; the functions of the secreting organs
were being restored; she perspired freely; had micturated; the mucous
membrane of the mouth was moist, and there was a tendency to tears without
corresponding mental depression. The patient was ordered a mixture of
ether and digitalis every four hours. On December 2 the pulse was 136, and
the heart sounds reduplicated. The following day she was given bromide of
potassium in place of the ether in the digitalis mixture. On the 4th the
pulse was 126; reduplication gone. On the 6th the pulse was 82, and the
temperature fell with the pulse rate. She was well enough to get into the
ward for a few hours. Her memory, especially for recent events, was at
that time greatly impaired. On the 12th she still complained of muscular
pains like those of rheumatism. Apart from that, she was enjoying good
bodily health.
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