The Preservation of Health 299 



of the house are apt to reach the sick room. The entire air 

 of the room should be changed at least two or three times 

 a day, and in addition a constant supply of fresh air should 

 be introduced in small quantities. During cold weather and 

 in certain diseases, the patient may be covered entirely with 

 blankets and the windows opened wide for a few minutes. 



465, Location and Arrangement of the Sick Room. The 

 sick room, if possible, should be on the quiet and sunny 

 side of the house. Pure fresh air, sunshine, and freedom 

 from noise and offensive odors are almost indispensable. 

 A fireplace, as a means of ventilation, is invaluable. The 

 bed should be so placed that the air may get to it on all 

 sides and the nurse move easily around it. Screens should 

 be used to exclude superfluous light and draughts. 



Remove all useless ornaments and articles likely to 

 collect dust, as unnecessary pieces of furniture and heavy 

 draperies. A clean floor, with a few rugs to deaden the 

 sounds of footsteps, is much better than a woolen carpet. 

 Rocking-chairs should be banished from the sick room, as 

 they are almost sure to disturb the sick. 



A daily supply of fresh flowers tends to brighten the 

 room. The medicines may be close at hand, but all poisonous 

 drugs should be kept carefully by themselves and ordinarily 

 under lock and key. A small table should be placed at the 

 bedside, and on it the bell, food tray, flowers, and other 

 small things which promote the comfort of the patient. 



466. Hints for the Sick Room. Do not worry the sick 

 with unnecessary questions, idle talk, or silly gossip. It 

 is cruel to whisper in the sick room, for patients are always 

 annoyed by it. They are usually suspicious that something 

 is wrong and generally imagine that their condition has 

 changed for the worse. Always strive to look cheerful 

 and pleasant before the patient. Whatever may happen, 



