Accidents. 297 



what would I like to have done, 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. 



Bathing the Sick. 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. 



Changing the Bedding. 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. 



Follow Physician's Directions Faithfully. 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 

 allow yourself to settle back in an easy-chair. If watching all night, 

 take a good lunch in the middle of the night ; coffee may help to keep 

 you awake. 



Sweeping the Sick-room. Do not allow the room to be swept with 

 the ordinary broom. The room should have rugs that can be removed 

 and shaken, and the floor wiped with a moist cloth. If the room is 

 carpeted, it may be swept with moist salt, tea-grounds or coffee-grounds, 

 sawdust, etc. Any dusting should be avoided ; furniture may be wiped 

 with a damp cloth. 



Do not Whisper. Do not whisper, as it disturbs more than talking, 

 and also has an air of secrecy that rouses suspicion in the patient. 



Food for the Sick. Raise the head with the hand, or bolster the 

 patient up, when giving drink ; or if the patient is very weak, use a 

 rubber or glass tube, so that he will not have to lift the head. The 

 nurse should know how to prepare any food that may be needed during 

 the night. An oil stove or gas stove is very desirable for cooking, or 

 heating poultices, as an ordinary wood or coal fire is likely to die down, 



