CARE OF THE SICK. 343 



into his face. Evidence of illness, such as medicine bottles, 

 etc., should be kept out of sight so far as possible. 



While it is not best to deceive the patient as to his condi- 

 tion, there should at all times be kept up an air of cheerfulness 

 and hope. If the physician can inspire with confidence, and 

 the nurse give unflagging good cheer, the chances of recovery 

 are vastly improved. Nothing sustains like Hope. 



Keep the air of the room pure. Remove excreta and every- 

 thing offensive just as soon as possible. Do not rely on feeling 

 as to temperature, but keep a thermometer in the room. One 

 of the necessary characteristics of a good nurse is the power of 

 imagination. " How would I feel, and what would I like to 

 have done for me, if I were in his place ? " This feeling will 

 lead the nurse frequently to raise the patient's head and turn 

 the pillow the coolness of the other side of the pillow is 

 refreshing ; to give sips of cool water ; to see that the patient 

 does not suffer for want of a bath ; in giving a bath, to do the 

 work thoroughly, as a skillful barber carefully and thoroughly 

 reaches every fold and crevice back of the ear, etc. In bathing 

 a weak person, only a part of the body should be moistened at 

 a time ; after this part is thoroughly dried, another part may 

 be washed ; it is often necessary to do all this work under the 

 bed clothing. In changing the bed clothing, move the patient 

 to one side of the bed, push the clothing along close to his 

 body, and place the clean bedding on the other side ; then 

 move the patient back, remove the soiled linen, and smooth 

 out the clean. It is often necessary to warm the sheets first ; 

 they should be thoroughly dry. 



Have the physician's directions written out plainly, as they 

 may be forgotten ; and if there is a change of nurses during 

 the night there is less chance of mistake. Never let yourself 

 get drowsy when acting as nurse. Get up and walk about, 

 get a breath of fresh air, and if inclined to be drowsy do not 



