HINTS FOR THE SICK-ROOM

The sick-room should be the lightest, most cheerful, and best ventilated room in the house. Patients in the sunny wards of hospitals recover soon- est, and the sick, in nearly all cases, lie with their faces to the light. Every thing should be kept in perfect neatness and order. Matting is better than a carpet, though, when the latter is used, is may be kept clean by throw- ing a few damp tea-leaves over only a part of the room at a time, then quietly brushing them up with a hand-broom. A table not liable to injury, a small wicker basket with compartments to hold the different bottles of medicine and a small book in which to write all the physician's directions, two baskets made on the same plan to hold glasses or cups, screens to shade the light from the eyes of the patient, a nursery-lamp with which to heat water, beet- tea, etc., a quill tied on the door-handle with which the nurse can notify others that the patient is asleep by merely passing the feather-end througli the kej'-hole, several "ring cushions" to give relief to patients compelled to lie continually in one position (these cushions are circular pieces of old linen sewed together and stuffed with bran ; or pads may be used, made of cotton- batting basted into pieces of old muslin of any size required), and a sick couch or chair, are a few of the many conveniences which ought to be in every sick-room.

Pure air in a sick-room is of the utmost importance. In illness, the poi- soned body is desperately trying to throw off, through lungs, skin, and in every possible way, the noxious materials that have done the mischief. Bad air and dirty or saturated bed-clothes, increase the difficulty at the very time when the weakened powers need all the help they can get. Avoid air from kitchen or close closets. Outside air is the best, but if needed, there should be afire in the room to take off the chill. A cold is rarely taken in bed, with the bed-clothes well tucked in, but oftener in getting up out of a warm bed when the skin is relaxed. Of course anything like a "chill" should be avoided, and it is not well to allow a draft or current of air to pass directly over the bed of the patient.

A good way to secure a fresh supply of air, without a draft, is to have a board five or six inches wide, and as long as the width of the window ; raise the lower sash, place board under it, and the fresh air finds its way in be- tween the sash by an upward current.

11.00 HINTS FOR THE SICK-ROOM.

This simple contrivance slips over the gas burner, and furnishes a se- cure stand on which to set a cup or tea pot, when it will heat in a few mo- ments. It is invaluable in a sick room or nursery, in a house where gas is used, and when gas is not iised there are substitutes for the same purpo.se which burn alcohol.

In disease less heat is produced by the body ' than in health. This decline occurs even in sum. mer, and is usually most evident in the early Gas Heater. moming, wheu the vital powers slacken, the food

of the previous day having been exhausted. The sick should be watched between midnight and ten or eleven in the morning, and if an)' decline in heat is noticed, it should be supplied by jugs of hot water. A sick-room should, above all, be quiet. Any ru.stling sound, such art that of a silk dress or shoes which creak, should be entirely avoided. If it is necessarj' lo put coal on the fire, drop it on quietly in small paper sacks, or rolled in paper slightly dampened. Visitors should never be ad- mitted in a sick-room. The necessary attendants are usually a sufficient annoyance to a weak patient, and many a tombstone might truthfully and appropriately be inscribed: '"Talked to death by well-meaning friends." It is not generally the loudness of a noi.se that disturbs the sick, but the sound that produces 'cx})ectation of something to happen. Some can not bear any noise. Any thing that suddenly awakens is injurious. Never awaken a sleeping patient unless ordered to do so by the physician. In sickness the brain is ■weakened with the rest of the body, and sleep strengthens it. If rest is interrupted soon after it is begun, the brain is weakened so much the more, and the patient becomes irritable and wakeful. If sleep lasts longer, he falls asleep again more readily. Never speak within the hearing of the sick, in tones whii-h can not be fully understood. An occasional word, or murmur of conversation, or whisper, is intolerable, and occasions needless apprenhension.

Few persons have any idea of the exquisite neatness necessary in a sick- room. What a well person might endure with impunity, may prove fatal to a weak patient. Especially the bed and bedding should be scrupulously clean. In most diseases the functions of the skin are disordered, and the clothing becomes saturated with foul prespiration, so that the patient alter- nates between a cold damp after the bed is made, and a warm damp before, both poison to his system. Sheets which are used should be dried often from this poisonous damp, either in the sun or by the fire, and the mattress and blanket next the sheets should also be carefully aired as often as pos- sible. In changing very sick patients (particularly women after confinement) the sheets and wearing-clothes should be well aired by hanging by the fire for two days. Move the patient close to one side of the bed,"turn the under siioet over close to the invalid, then smooth the mattress, removing any thing that may be on it. Make ready the clean sheet, by rolling one-half into a round roll, lay this close bj' the invalid, spread the other half smoothlv over the bed. Now assist the patient on the clean sheet, unroll and spread <n-er the other side of the bed. Have the upper sheet ready, w hich must be carefully and gently laid over the invalid, then add the other bed-clothes. (In dressing a blister where a bandage has to be placed around the body, roll one-half the bandage, place it under the invalid, so that the attendant at the other side can reach it, unrolling, and placing it around the patient without disturbing him.) Light blankets are best for coverings. Never use the impervious cotton counterpanes and comforters. The clothing should be as

HINTS FOR THE SICK-ROOM. 1131 '

their heads under the clothing, and patients sometimes acquire the same injurious habit.

Try one of the smallest coal oil lamps for the night lamp in the sick- room. It looks very small but it will make as much light as a good tallow candle, and will not drop oil.

Chamber utensils should be emptied and thoroughly cleansed immedi- ately after using, always rinsing with cold water, as hot water tends to burn the odor into the utensil. Never allow them standing in the sick-room. Slop-pails, into which nothing should be allowed to go except the waste water from the wash stand- must be emptied and cleansed thoroughly at least twice a day.

Bathing should always be done under the advice of a physician, but soap and water are great restoratives. In most cases, washing and properly dry- ing the skin gives great relief. Care should be taken, while sponging and cleansing, not to expose too great a surface at a time, so as to check perspira- tion. The physician will regulate the temperature. Sometimes a little vin- egar, whisky, or alcohol added to the water, makes the bath more refresh- ing, and bay-rum for the face, neck, and hands is often acceptable. When- ever the bath is followed by a sense of oppression, it has done harm. Its effect should be comfort and relief.

One of the most convenient articles to be used in the sick-room is a sand- bag. Get some fine sand, dry it thoroughly in a kettle on the stove, make a bag about eight inches square of flannel, "till it with the dry sand, sew the opening carefully together, and cover the bag with cotton or linen cloth. This will prevont the sand from sifting out, and will also enable you to heat the bag quickly by placing it in the oven, or attempt to warm the feet or hands of a sick person with a bottle of hot water or a brick. The sand holds the heat a long time, and the bag can be tucked up to the back without hurt- ing the invalid. It is a good plan to make two or three of the bags and keep them ready for use.

It is well for both nurse and patient to remember that nothing relieves nausea or vomiting sooner than drinking hot water in as great a quantity and as hot as possible. Placing the hands in hot water up to the wrists, a flan- nel or other cloth, dipped in hot water and laid five or six folds thick, on any pained part, will relieve suffering more promptly than all the pain-kill- ers in the world. Cover the wet flannel with another dry one, the edges of which extend over the wet ones an inch or more. In about five minutes slip the wet flannel out and put in its place another as hot as can be han- dled, taking care to let as little cold air as possible touch the skin over which the hot flannel has been applied. When pain is relieved put on towels wet in cool water and cover with flannel ; leave for an hour or more, remove and wipe dry, rubbing vigorously. These hot applications will often relieve a violent, dry cough in a few minutes, and in some forms of croup will cure in half an hour.

Patients are often killed by kindness. A spoonful of improper food, or the indulgence of some whim, may prove fatal. A physicians directions should always be observed with the strictest fidelity. Medicines and things which will be wanted during the night should all be prepared before the pa- tient grows sleepy. Every thing should be done quickly but quietly, and with precision. In talking, sit where the patient can hear you without turn- ing his head. Never ask questions when he is doing anything, and never lean or sit upon the bed. Sick persons generally prefer to be told any thing rather than to have it read to them. A change in the ornaments of the room is a great relief, and the sick especially enjoy bright and beautiful things. Flowers, which do not have a pungent odor, are always a great delight.

1132 HINTS FOR THE SICK-ROOM.

In convalescence great care is necessary, and the physicians directions shoTiId bo implicitly obeyed, especially in regard to diet; a failure in obedi- ence often brings on a fatal relapse. A little food at a time and often repeat- ed, is the general rule for the sick. A table-spoon of beef-tea, every half liour. will be digested, when a cupful every three or four hours will be reject- ed. (In giving a drink or liquid of any kind a moustache-cup will be found a great convenience.) The sick can rarely take solid food before eleven in the morninfr, and a spoonful of beef-tea, or whatever stimulant the i)hysician has ordered, given every hour or two, relieves exhaustion. Brandy, whisky, or other alcoholic stimulants, however, should never be ordered in cases where there is a hereditary tendency to use them, or where they have been used as a beverage, or where the associations of the patient in the future would be likely to make an acquired taste for them a temptation. In most cases substitutes may readily be found. Untouched food should never be left at the bed-side. Every meal should be a surprise, and the patient should be left alone while eating. " Food for the sick must be of the best quality, and neatly and delicately prepared. The cook should do half the patient's di- gesting. Keep the cup and saucer dry, so that no drops wil fall on the bed or clotlaing.

Beef-tea contains a certain amount of nourishment, and may be given in almost any inflammatory disease. Eggs do not agree with all patients, but are nourishing food when admissible. Tenderloin of beef, cut across the grain, and broiled on live coals, without smoke, and well cooked or rare, as the physician may direct, is always relished; and a tender lamb- chop, broiled in the same way, with the fat removed before serving, is easily digested and nutritious. Roasted potatoes, very mealy, are prefer- red to other vegetables. Milk is a representative diet; and, when it agrees with the digestion, is probably better adapted to strengthen the body in sickness than any other article of food, but it must be fresh and pure. The least taint of sourness is injurious. Butter-milk, however, when fresh, is useful in fevers, bilious diseases and dyspepsia. Cream is even better tlian milk, and is less apt to turn acid in the stomach. Many patients thrive on Indian-meal mush and cream, and any preparations of Indian-meal are e.specially good for persons who are suffering from the need of natural warmth (see Bread-making.) Oat-meal, Ciraham and rye mush, and home-made brown-liread, are important articles of diet, generally relished by the sick. There are instances of persons recovering from serious illness where a table- spoon of rye mush, and half tea-cup butter-milk, three times a day, were all that could be taken for two or three weeks. A patient's craving for any par- ticular article of food should be communicated to the physician, as it is often a valuable indication of the wants of the system. These cravings should be gratified whenevi-r {lossil^le. ^lelons act on the kidneys, and are good in many cases of fever, bowel

HINTS FOR THE SICK-ROOM. 1133

summer complaint and like diseases. Fresh pop-corn, nicelj' salted, clam- broth, the juice of a roasted oyster in the shell, soda-water, and peppermint- tea are remedies for sick stomach. Vegetable acid drinks, herb-teas, toast- water, and all such drinks are often much relished. A custard made from a preparation of liquid rennet, as directed on bottle, is a delicate dish. But- tered toast, either dry or dipped, though so generally given, is rarely a suit- able article for the sick, as melted oils are very difficult of digestion. In quinsy, diphtheria, inflammation of lungs, typhus and other putrid fevers, acids are of very great benefit. Take a handful" of dried currants, pour over them a pint of boiling water, let them stand half a minute without stirring, then drain off the water, strain it through a cloth, and set it away to cool ; when j given to the patient, dilute well, so that the acid taste is very slight. Acid fruits should be eaten early in the day. Above all, it should l)e remember- ed, that it is not the nourishment which food contains, but that which the stomach can assimilate, that builds up ; a sick person will thrive on what i would not sustain a well person. ;

It is of the utmost importance that the food be delicately and carefully administered, and this should never be left to servants. It should be made . as attractive as possible, served in the choicest ware, with the cleanest of , napkins, and the brightest of silver. If tea is served, it should be freshly • drawn, in a dainty cup, with a block of white sugar, and afew drops of sweet - cream. Toast should be thin, symmetrical, well yellowed, free from crust, and just from the tire. Steak should be a cut of "the best tenderloin, deli- cately broiled, and served with the nicest of roasted potatoes. The attention given to these simple matters, is, in many cases, worth more than the phys- ician's prescriptions.

The craving for tea and coffee is almost universal with the sick. A mod- erate quantity is a great restorative ; but an excess, especially of coffee, im- pairs digestion. Neither should be given after five in the afternoon, as they increase excitement and cause sleeplessness ; but sleeplessness from ex- , haustion in the early morning is often relieved by a cup of tea or coffee. The , patient's taste will decide which should be used. In cases of thirst, the ■ physician will prescribe what other drink should be given to satisfy it. Co- coa is often craved by the sick, and possesses no stimulating qualities. Crust- ; coffee is very nourishing. ;

A very simple means of refreshing the nurse, and a valuable disinfectant, ; if the nature of the invalid's complaint does not forbid it — that is seldom the case — is to put some pure, fresh-ground coffee on a saucer, or other dish, 1 and in the center place a very small piece of camphor-gum, and touch a| match to it. As the gum burns, allow sufficient coffee to consume to per- j vade the atmosphere with the aroma ; it is wonderful in its invigorating v effects.

The following recipe makes a delicious, refreshing and cooling wash for the sick room : i

Take of rosemary, wormwood, lavender, rue, sage and mint a large hand- ful of each. Place in a stone jar, and turn over it one gallon of strong cider vinegar, cover closely, and keep near the fire for four days ; then strain and add one ounce of pounded camphor gum. Bottle and keep tightly corked.

There is a French legend connected with this preparation (called viniagre a guartre voleurs). During the plague at Marseilles, a band of robbers plun- dered the dying and the dead without injury to themselves. They were im- prisoned, tried and condemned to die, but were pardoned on condition of disclosing the secret whereby they could ransack houses infected with the terrible scourge. They gave the above recipe. Another mode of using it, is to wash the face and hands with it before exposing one's self to any infec-

1134 HINTS FOR THE SICK-ROOM.

tion. It is very aromatic and refreshing in the sick-room; so, if it can ac- complish nothing more, it is of great value to nurses.

Food for the Sick.

Crust Coffee — Toast bread very brown, pour on boiling water, strain and add cream and sugar and nutmeg, if desired.

Cream Soup. — One pint boiling water, half tea-cup cream ; add broken piece of toasted bread and a little salt.

Parched Rice. — Cook in custard-kettle a half cup parched rice in one pint boiling salted water; when done serve with cream and sugar.

Wine Whey. — One pint of boiling milk, two wme-glasses of wine, boil a moment, stuTing well ; take out the curd, sweeten and flavor the whey.

Raspberry Relish. — To each pint of berry juice add one pound of sugar. Let it stand over night; next morning boil ten minutes, and bottle for use.

Tamarind Whey. — Mix an ounce of tamarind pulp with a pint of milk, strain and sweeten. Or, simply stir tablespoon tamarinds into pint water.

Butter-milk Steiv. — Boil one pint butter-milk, add a small lump butter, and sweeten to taste. Some add teaspoon ginger and honey instead of sugar.

Chicken Broth. — Take trie first and second joints of a chicken, boil in one quart of water till very tender, and season with a very little salt and pepper.

Raw Beef Tea. — Cut up lean, fresh meat, soak eight or ten hours in a small quantity of cold water. This is good after severe cases of typhoid fever.

Alum Whey. — Wix half ounce powdered alum with one pint sweet milk, strain and add sugar and nutmeg ; it is good in hemorrhages, and sometimes for colic.

Pearled Wheat Paddinrf. — One pint of wheat, one half gallon new milk, sweeten and flavor to taste, bake one hour. This is a delicious and simple pudding.

To Remove Grease from Broth.-^ for the Sick. — After pouring in dish, pass clean white wrapping-paper (juickly over the top of broth, using .several pieces, till all grease is removed.

Sassafras Drink. — Take the pith of sassafras boughs, break in small pie^^es and let soak in cold water till the water becomes glutinous. This is good nourishment, and much re.ished.

Baked Milk. — Bake two (piarts milk for eight or ten hours in a moderate oven, in a jar covered with writing i)aper, tied down. It will then be as thick as cream, and may be used by weak persons.

Egg Gruel. — Beat the yolks of an egg with a tablespoon of sugar, beating the white separately ; add a tea-cup of boiling water to the yolk, then stir in the white, and add'any seasoning; good for a cold.

Sago Custard. — Soak two tablespoons sago in a tumoier of water an hour or more, then boil in same water until clear, and add a tumbler of sweet jailk; when it boils, add sugar to taste, then a beaten egg and flavoring.