The Care and Feeding of Children: A Catechism for the Use of Mothers and Children's Nurses — John Shaqi
The Care and Feeding of Children: A Catechism for the Use of Mothers and Children's NursesHolt, L. Emmett (Luther Emmett)
Science
The Care and Feeding of Children: A Catechism for the Use of Mothers and Children's Nurses
Holt, L. Emmett (Luther Emmett)
Child care; Children -- Nutrition
Soft sponges are useful for bathing the body, limbs and scalp. There
should be a separate wash-cloth for the face and another for the
buttocks.
_What are the objections to bath sponges?_
When used frequently, they become very dirty and are liable to cause
infection of the eyes, mouth or genital organs.
_Under what circumstances should the daily tub bath be omitted?_
In the case of very feeble or delicate infants on account of the
exposure and fatigue, and in all forms of acute illness except by
direction of the physician. In eczema and many other forms of skin
disease much harm is often done by bathing with soap and water, or
even with water alone.
GENITAL ORGANS
_How should the genital organs of a female child be cleansed?_
Best with fresh absorbent cotton and tepid water, or a solution of
boric acid, two teaspoonfuls to the pint. This should be done
carefully at least once a day. If any discharge is present, the
boric-acid solution should invariably be used twice a day. Great care
is necessary at all times to prevent infection which often arises from
soiled napkins.
_How should the genital organs of a male child be cleansed?_
In infancy and early childhood the foreskin should be pushed back at
least twice a week while the child is in his bath, and the parts thus
exposed washed gently with absorbent cotton and water.
If the foreskin is tightly adherent and cannot readily be pushed back,
the physician's attention should be called to it. The nurse or mother
should not attempt forcible stretching.
_When is circumcision advisable?_
Usually, when the foreskin is very long and so tight that it cannot be
pushed back without force; always, when this condition is accompanied
by evidences of local irritation or difficulty in passing water.
EYES
_How should the eyes of a little baby be cleansed?_
With a piece of soft linen or absorbent cotton and a lukewarm solution
of salt or boric acid,--one half of an even teaspoonful to one pint of
water.
_If pus appears in the eyes, what should be done?_
They should be cleansed every hour with a solution of boric acid (ten
grains to one ounce of water). If the lids stick together, a little
vaseline from a tube should be rubbed upon them at night. If the
trouble is slight, this treatment will control it; if it is severe, a
physician should be called immediately, as delay may result in loss of
eyesight.
MOUTH
_How is an infant's mouth to be cleansed?_
An excellent method is by the use of a swab made by twisting a bit of
absorbent cotton upon a wooden toothpick. With this the folds between
the gums and lips and cheeks may be gently and carefully cleansed
twice a day unless the mouth is sore. It is not necessary after every
feeding. The finger of the nurse, often employed, is too large and
liable to injure the delicate mucous membrane.
_What is sprue?_
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