Practical Housewifery (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1905 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV Observing a patient--Taking temperature--Washing and dressing a patient--Bed-sores--Bed-rests and cradles--Colds and sore throats--Burns and scalds--Uses of the triangular and roller bandages. All good nurses will watch their patients closely, no symptom is too small not to be taken notice of, the slightest change in the patient's condition may herald a dangerous crisis in his illness, so every change as it occurs should be noted down and told to the doctor. The temperature of the patient is most important and should be taken at least night and morning. The normal temperature is 98.4 Fah. and should it rise or fall ten degrees above or below this point the case may be looked upon as hopeless. To obtain the exact temperature a clinical thermometer is used, which is usually guaged from 95 to 110. It should be placed beneath the tongue, or with children, in the arm pit. The thermometer should always be kept in Eau de Cologne or carbolic, just a drop or two of either in the case will be sufficient, and it must always be washed before and after using. Posture must always be taken notice of by the nurse, in a long illness, such as typhoid fever, the patient will lie quite flat, and any wish to raise the head may be looked upon as a good sign. In cases when breathing is a difficulty, and the patient has to be propped up with pillows, the desire to lie down is good, provided it does not mean a sudden collapse and death. In congestion or inflammation of the lungs, the patient will of his own accord lie on the side that is least affected. Shivering fits must never be neglected. Place hot water bottles at once to the feet, and cover the patient up warmly. Sleep is most important, and when the patient falls into a natural sleep the crisis of an illness is o...