The Busy Man's Hand-Book

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Information for the Nurse

To change the under sheet, roll it lengthwise-that is, begin at the side. Push soiled sheet and all coverings toward the patient, leaving the mattress bare. On this lay the clean roll, tucking one side under the mattress, unroll it toward the patient and move him over the roll on the smooth space, keeping him covered with the top blanket. Go to the other side of the bed, pull out under blanket and soiled sheet, finish unrolling clean sheet and tuck it in. Lay the clean upper sheet over the top blanket and cover it with another blanket and thin white spread. When these are in place remove the blankets that are next the patient, and he will be left lying between clean sheets, in a clean night dress and thoroughly bathed, without having been exposed for an instant to the chance of taking cold. Open the window at the top, and if there seems too much air near the bed place a screen between that and the window. If none is at hand, improvise one by throwing a shawl over a clothes horse or fastening a cord between two convenient points and hanging a blanket over it. If the window will open only at the bottom, tack the flannel there. The pillow-case should be changed frequently and the pillow turned as often as can be done without disturbing the patient. A cool, fresh surface next the face is very refreshing.

Keep the pillow well under the shoulders; nothing is more tiring to a weak. person than to have the edge come just in the hollow of the neck, throwing the chin forward on the breast. Gently comb and brush the hair, and if there is a beard keep it washed and free from tangles. If the patient is a woman, part the back hair and braid each portion. It can be coiled high on the head or allowed to hang in two tails. The nails on both hands and feet should be carefully attended to. If the carpet cannot be removed, sweep it daily with a carpet sweeper or a broom with a cloth wrapped round it, and burn the dust. Wipe the woodwork and furniture daily with a damp cloth. Never leave milk standing in a sickroom; it quickly absorbs impurities. If obliged to wait a few moments until the invalid is. ready to take it, cover the glass containing it. Make it a rule to leave nothing in the sick room that is not positively needed there. Remove every cup, glass and

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