NURSING TECHNIC MARY C.WHEELER, R.N. 1-10-16-lOM >SBNTED d c2c2_ / The New Yor o \ of Medicine By >s/LujJ^/y W^x? 19 WITHDRAWN NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE Bethesda, Maryland Gift of The New York Academy of Medicine NURSING TECHNIC LIPPINCOTT'S NURSING MANUALS FULL CATALOGUE FREE ON REQUEST Ninth Edition Revised COOKE'S HANDBOOK OF OBSTETRICS Revised by CAROLYN E. GRAY and MARY ALBERTA BAKER, of City Hospital, New York. 475 pages. 188 illlustrations. J2.25 net CARE AND FEEDING OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN A TEXT-BOOK FOR TRAINED NURSES By WALTER REEVE RAMSEY, M.D., of University of Min- nesota. 290 pages. 123 illustrations. J2.00 net. SURGICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL NURSING By EDWARD MASON PARKER, M.D., and SCOTT DUDLEY BRECKINRIDGE, M.D., of Providence Hospital, Washing- ton, D. C. 425 pages. 134 illustrations. $2.50 net. ESSENTIALS OF MEDICINE Third Edition By CHARLES PHILLIPS EMERSON. M.D., of University of Indiana. 401 pages. 117 illustrations. J2.50 net. 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WHEELER, R.N. SUPERINTENDENT OF ILLINOIS TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES, CHICAGO, ILLS. 32 SPECIALLY PREPARED ILLUSTRATIONS UNDER PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF THE AUTHOR ACADEMY -.inn? ///J*» ci«4»c MAKING A PATIENT COMFORTABLE 119 b. Sheets: 1. Fold two sheets, diagonally, placing one underneath the patient's waist and the other over the abdomen. Twist the ends of the two sheets together, close to the body, draw the ends through the links of the springs and tie under the springs. Fig. 27.—Side pieces on bed for restraint. 2. Place folded sheets, one over the ab- domen and one over the knees, se- curing them by twisting the ends around the bars on the side of the bed. The knees should be well padded. 3. A sheet placed lengthwise across the patient may be used and fastened as above, bringing it high up under NURSING TECHNIC the axillae and low down to the feet. 4. Fold a sheet diagonally and place be- low the shoulders. Bring the ends up under the axillae, over shoulders and then under the pillow. Cross the ends, twist and tie to bar at head of bed. Usually restraint of the lower part of the body is also necessary. 5. Clove hitch: with a large triangular bandage or with a small sheet folded diagonally, make two loops, form- ing a figure-of-eight, with one end up and the other end down. Put loops together with free ends on in- side, pass them over hand or foot, twist ends together and make knot 12 inches from extremity and tie ends to bedstead. If not properly applied, it will either not hold or shut off the circulation. It may be used on both feet by putting a loop around each ankle and twisting the ends once around that portion of the sheet which is between the ankles and carrying it to the foot of the bed. 6. Camisoles, strait-jackets: make of heavy canvas for adults or of heavy muslin for children. Apply accord- ing to instructions, noting general instructions. 7. Anklets and handcuffs of leather are HANDLING PATIENTS WITH HEMORRHAGE 121 made with lock and key. They fit nearly any ankle or wrist, are strapped to the bed. Always have a definite place for the key in each ward and never lose the key. HANDLING PATIENTS AFTER FRACTURES 1. Avoid moving patient whenever possible. 2. Keep all fractures of extremities straight. 3. After a fracture has been set, avoid moving the frac- tured part from the position in which it was placed. 4. As ordered, apply cold to control hemorrhage, check inflammation and relieve pain. 5. When patient is able to be up, keep all fractures immobilized with proper supports. HANDLING PATIENTS WITH HEMORRHAGE 1. In an emergency, make pressure over arteries to control hemorrhage, then get assistance. 2. Report all patients with hemorrhage symptoms to the head-nurse at once. 3. After operation, watch for signs of external hemor- rhage on dressings, over incision. 4. If in doubt as to increase of blood-stain on dress- ings, outline the stain with a soft pencil, time the increase. 5. Do not change dressings, without a written order from the doctor. 6. Never allow heart stimulation to be given without an order from the doctor. 7. Symptoms: Growing pallor. 122 NURSING TECHNIC Weak, shallow, sighing respiration. Thirst. Restlessness. Dizziness. Weakening of pulse beats, which become rapid and irregular. Falling temperature. 8. Treatment usually ordered: Absolute quiet. Application of cold or heat. Elevation of part of body sustaining hemorrhage. If hemorrhage is abdominal, give nothing by mouth, elevate foot of bed. HANDLING PATIENTS WITH SPRAINS i. Affected part should be kept at rest until orders are given for exercise. 2. Joints are usually elevated and treated with hot or cold applications. 3. Sprain of an ankle is usually treated by strapping the ankle with adhesive, and kept at rest. CARE OF THE MOUTH A. Time: 1. Daily, with morning and evening care. 2. Patients who are very ill must have the mouth cleansed before and after each feeding in addition to the regular care. 3. In accordance with the doctor's orders. B. Object: 1. Cleanliness, comfort and a sense of freshness. 2. To avoid the accumulation of bacteria, which may be swallowed with the food. CARE OF THE MOUTH 123 3. To prevent ulceration of the mouth and in- fection of ears. C. General instructions: 1. Always wash your hands before and after cleansing a mouth. 2. Use fresh solution and clean sponges for each cleansing. 3. Never dip a sponge in the mouth solution a second time. 4. Do not injure the mucous membrane lining the mouth. D. Articles necessary: 1. Tray with: a. Covered glass containing solution and sponges. b. Glass with applicators and tongue de- pressors. c. Small basin and glass of fresh water. d. Towel and paper bag. 2. Tooth paste and brush, glass of fresh water and a small basin. E. Method: 1. If condition permits, patient may care for his own mouth by using the tooth brush. 2. For bed patient, place towel under patient's chin. 3. Cleanse teeth, roof, sides of mouth and tongue, changing sponges as frequently as necessary. 4. When possible, allow the patient to rinse the mouth with fresh water. I24 NURSING TECHNIC 5. All waste to be placed in the paper bag. 6. When patient refuses to open teeth, a tongue depressor or handle of spoon, covered with gauze, may be used to pry the mouth open, leaving the instrument between the teeth while cleansing the mouth. F. Solutions used: 1. For general use : a. Listerine and water, one part to three. b. Boric acid, glycerine and lemon juice, equal parts. c. Dobell's solution, 50 per cent. d. Boric solution, 3 per cent. c. Normal saline. /. Weak soda bicarbonate solution. 2. For a neglected mouth : a. Peroxide of hydrogen, 50 per cent. Rinse mouth thoroughly. Do not use too often. b. Apply lemon juice and glycerine, equal parts, and leave for ten minutes. Cleanse thoroughly. c. Mix glycerine and peroxide of hydrogen, two drams of each, and add soda bicar- bonate gr. v. Apply to tongue and mouth, leave for ten minutes and then cleanse with any good mouth wash. 3. For dry mouth : a. Albolene and boric acid, equal parts, mixed with a little lemon juice and apply. b. Irrigate with normal salt or weak soda bicarbonate solution. CARE OF HAIR , 125 4. For dry tongue with sordes: a. Apply lanolin, vaseline, or lanolin and vaseline, equal parts, or other simple ointment, and leave for 20 minutes. b. Cleanse mouth and teeth with mouth wash. c. Leave lanolin on lips and tongue, if necessary. G. Record exact condition of mouth, when special cleansing is necessary. CARE OF HAIR A. Object: 1. Comfort. 2. Cleanliness. 3. Tidiness. B. General instructions: 1. Examine for pediculi or nits. 2. Avoid pulling. 3. Always wash and carbolize comb after use on each patient. C. Ccmbing: 1. Time: morning and evening, if possible. 2. Articles necessary: a. Towel; combs, fine and coarse, 3. Method: ' a. Protect pillow and upper part of covers with towel. b. If possible, part hair in middle for two braids. c. If tangled: Wet with alcohol, 50 per cent. Separate into small sections and comb, 126 NURSING TECHNIC beginning at the ends. Grasp the sec- tion being combed, with the left hand and comb gently. d. Braid in any way comfortable to patient and fasten ends. D. Bed shampoo: i. Articles necessary: a. Blanket. b. Rubber sheet or Kelly pad. c. Four towels, comb. d. Small rubber sheet folded inside of towel. e. Bottle of soap solution. /. Pail for drainage. g. Two pitchers of water; one with 105 de- grees F., other 90 degrees F. 2. Method: a. Remove all but one small pillow, placing rubber sheet and towel under head. b. Place blanket over patient, turning covers over foot of bed. c. Turn patient on side with back towards nurse. d. Have head of patient well to edge of bed, hips in centre. e. Protect bed with large rubber sheet, roll- ing sides to form a drainage pad, or use Kelly pad and cover with towel. /. Protect eyes with towel. g. Make lather with soap solution, wash and rinse thoroughly. h. Lather, wash and rinse thoroughly a CARE OF HAIR 127 second or third time as necessary to clean. i. Use the warmer water at first and then the cooler water. ;'. Squeeze water from hair, cover with towel, remove Kelly pad or large rubber sheet and place in pail. k. Fan and rub until dry. Comb. E. Tub shampoo: 1. Articles necessary: c. Towels, soap solution and comb in bath- room. 2. Method: a. Wrap towel about neck and shoulders and have patient protect eyes with towel. b. Let patient sit with head resting over edge of tub. c. Shampoo as in bed. F. Pediculi on head: 1. Articles necessary: same as for shampoo, Tr. Quassia or Tr. Larkspur. 2. Method: a. If pediculi not abundant, shampoo first. b. If pediculi abundant, wet scalp and hair with Tr. Quassia or Tr. Larkspur. c. Apply towel or triangular bandage and allow to remain 8 or 10 hours. d. Shampoo. e. Repeat treatment, if necessary. /. Record hour of treatment and kind of tincture used. 128 NURSING TECHNIC CARE OF NAILS Clean with nail-file daily. Scrub with brush, warm water and soap. Clean with nail-file. If very dirty, after scrubbing, peroxide of hydrogen and an orange stick are effective. Cut finger nails, rounding at top. Cut toe nails, square across top. CARE OF BACK A. Time: i. At time of bath, if bath is given. 2. With morning care and evening care. 3. After each involuntary defecation and urina- tion. 4. When the skin of back is in poor condition. B. Object: 1. Comfort of patient. 2. Prevention of bed-sores. 3. Cleanliness. 4. Stimulation of the circulation of the blood in the skin. 5. Evaporation of moisture. C. General instructions: 1. When rubbing the back, avoid jarring the body. Steady the patient with the free hand. 2. Rub with long, even strokes and with the palm of the hand. Never wear rings. 3. Never allow the alcohol or other solution to drip on the skin. CARE OF BACK 129 D. Articles necessary for evening care: 1. Blanket. 2. Whisk-broom and paper bag. 3. Towel, washcloth, soap. 4. Basin of water. 5. Castor oil. 6. Alcohol, 50 per cent., warmed by placing the bottle in hot water. 7. Powder. E. Method: 1. Turn patient on one side. 2. Place blanket over patient, turn covers down half-way and then fold over foot of bed. 3. Brush draw sheet free from crumbs, straighten and tighten both lower and draw sheets. 4. Turn patient on opposite side, brush and smooth bedclothes as on opposite side of bed. 5. Place towel close to back for protection of bed. 6. Wash and dry back. 7. Rub back with alcohol until dry. 8. When a definite reddened area is noted, in- dicating undue pressure, moisture or lack of care: a. Change position of patient. b. Relieve pressure by the use of air or water mattress, air cushions, pillows or cotton rings. c. Avoid rubbing the tender area. Alcohol may be dabbled on the area and the sur- rounding skin may be rubbed with alco- 130 NURSING TECHNIC hoi, always rubbing away from the edges of the reddened area. Powder. PRESSURE-SORES (DECUBITA) A. Causes: I. Predisposing: a. Lowered vitality. b. Continued high fever. c. Impaired circulation. d. Extreme emaciation. 2. Immediate: a. Moisture. b. Uncleanliness. c. Wrinkles and crumbs. d. Pressure, due to patient having been left in one position for too long a time. B. Prevention: i. Protect all bony prominences by relieving pressure. 2. Keep bed dry, clean, and free from wrinkles. 3. Change position of patient frequently, when- ever possible. 4. Give special care to back. C. Treatment: 1. Never fail to report reddened spots and abrasions to head-nurse at once. 2. Record all pressure-sores, with time and method of dressing. 3. For redness and slight abrasions of skin: a. Wash with soap and tepid or room-tem- PRESSURE-SORES 131 perature water and dry by patting and not by rubbing towel on skin. b. Apply castor oil, Tr. Benzoin Compound, or powder. 4. For deep pressure sores: a. Relieve pressure. b. Cleanse with irrigations. c. Hot boric acid dressings. d. Direct exposure to the air. c. Special orders by attending physician. D. Medications which are often ordered to be used: Irrigations: a. Peroxide of hydrogen. b. Boric acid. c. Normal salt. d. Iodine. c. Permanganate of potassium. Powders: a. Talcum. b. Boric acid. c. Stearate of zinc. d. Bismuth. e. Lycopodium. Drugs: a. Balsam of Peru. b. Castor oil. c. Beef peptonoids. d. Zinc oxide ointment. e. Bismuth subnitrate and castor oil. f. Tr. myrrh, 50 per cent. g. Tr. benzoin compound. 132 NURSING TECHNIC APPLICATION OF EXTERNAL HEAT A. Object: i. To supply heat to the body when vitality is low or after exposure to cold. 2. To relieve pain. 3. To equalize the circulation of the blood. 4. To provide comfort to the patient. B. General instructions: 1. See that whatever container is used does not leak. 2. Have stopper attached to container with tape or string. 3. Never use boiling water or extreme heat. 4. To burn a patient by having the containers too hot, improperly placed or leaky, is criminal. 5. Do not leave heat appliances in the bed of an unconscious or delirious patient. Use heated blanket instead. 6. In case a patient has been burned, report to the head-nurse at once. C. Method: 1. Fill cans and bags one-half full of water, heated not more than 115 degrees F. 2. Express the air from a rubber bag by placing it against the side of a solid surface, pressing the upper half until the water comes to the neck. Put in stopper. 3. Cover with a flannel cover, enclosing top of bag. 4. Place the top of bag or can away from the patient. APPLICATION OF EXTERNAL COLD 5. Do not place the container between the arms and sides of body or between the legs or under the back or opposite joints. D. Care of bags: 1. Remove cover and empty. 2. Hang them with the open end downward to dry. 3. See " Care of Rubber Goods." APPLICATION OF EXTERNAL COLD A. Object: 1. To cause local contraction of superficial blood- vessels. 2. To arrest suppuration. 3. To equalize the circulation of the blood. 4. To relieve congestion and pain. 5. To afford comfort to the patient. 6. To stop hemorrhage. B. Types: 1. Compresses. 2. Ice bags. 3. Ice caps. a. Helmet shaped, for head. b. Long and narrow, for head and neck. c. Round and oval for other parts of body. 4. Ice coil. C. General instructions: 1. Keep all applications cold. 2. Cover rubber articles with thin muslin or gauze. H4 NURSING TECHNIC 3. Do not allow ice to stand in water. Drain off the water. 4. Protect ice from the air, to avoid undue melting. 5. Keep applications in their proper position so as to avoid irritation of the patient. 6. Support ice bags or caps so that they will not cause pressure on sensitive parts. D. Compresses: 1. Articles necessary: a. Small rubber sheet. b. Towel. c. Two or more pieces of muslin or gauze, with the ragged edges turned in, so as to make the required size to cover the place to which the compress is to be applied. d. Piece of ice placed in a colander and cov- ered with flannel. Place colander in basin. 2. Method: a. Protect pillow or bed with rubber sheet, covered with towel. b. Moisten the compresses. c. Place on ice to cool. d. Keep at least one compress on the ice while others are being used. e. Change frequently. /. When the compress is long, as when placed on forehead, fold the ends of compress upward and under, to avoid water drip- ping on ears or bed. APPLICATION OF EXTERNAL COLD 135 E. Ice bags and caps: 1. Articles necessary: a. Ice bag and cover. b. Stout bag in which to crush ice. Wooden mallet. c. Colander, tablespoon. 2. Method: a. Crush ice to uniform size of hickory nut. b. Place in colander and pour just enough water over it to remove the sharp edges. c. Fill bag half full, using the spoon. d. Expel air and secure top to avoid leakage. e. Tie in a square of gauze, bringing diagonal corners together. /. Apply. If ordered over the heart and the patient is in a sitting position, place the bag in a sling and pin it to the gown. F. Ice coil: 1. Articles necessary: a. Ice coil. b. Funnel. c. Gauze. d. Four-tailed bandage. e. Pail of ice water, containing ice. /. Small pitcher. g. Empty pail. 2. General instructions: a. Keep funnel covered with gauze to pre- vent the dirt from the melting ice en- tering the tubing. b. If tubing becomes clogged, cleanse with soda solution. 136 NURSING TECHNIC c. Keep ice in pail. 3. Method: a. Place pail of ice water on small stand, one and one-half foot higher than patient. b. Cover with sheet to exclude air and to look neat. c. Place empty pail on floor on opposite side of bed. d. Place ice coil in desired position, securing with four-tailed bandage. e. Attach funnel to one end of tubing and place in pail of ice-water. Put other end in empty pail. /. To start siphonage, compress rubber tub- ing one foot below funnel, fill funnel with water and lower it quickly into pail. Release pressure before any air can be admitted into funnel. g. If tubing seems to be clogged, squeeze coil several times or pinch the tubing on the opposite side of the bed. h. The flow can be> regulated by loosely knotting the tubing or compressing it by a string, hemostats, etc. FEEDING PATIENTS A. General instructions: 1. Choose the kind of diet which meets the needs of the patient. 2. Follow the doctor's prescription for food. FEEDING PATIENTS »37 3. Consider the likes of the patient, in serving and seasoning. 4. Select food according to health, age and to meet other needs of patient. 5. Select food principles and not stimulants. 6. Select food known to be easily digested. 7. Do not give too many varieties at one time. 8. Serve food only when properly cooked, never greasy, under-done or over-done. 9. Do not ask the patient to eat just at medicine time or when a treatment is being given. 10. Keep the patient in a cheerful frame of mind. 11. Use diplomacy rather than force in getting a patient to take food. 12. Before serving a tray, remove medicine glasses, emesis basins, etc., from the bed- side table and place the tray in a convenient position for the patient to reach. 13. If the patient is sleeping, avoid awakening for food unless it is essential. 14. See that the patient is in a comfortable posi- tion, hands and face having been washed before being served. 15. When preparing and serving a tray, the nurse should see that she is immaculate. 16. When feeding a patient, do not drop par- ticles of food in transit. 17. Encourage the patient to masticate the food well. 18. Do not hurry the patient. 19. Do not serve the dishes too well filled; a second serving is preferable. NURSING TECHNIC 20. Serve food to very sick patients often and in small quantities. This excites the appe- tite and digestion. 21. Serve food promptly. 22. Have dishes clean, whole and properly placed on a tray which has been made to look attractive. 23. Serve hot foods hot and on hot dishes. 24. Serve cold foods cold and on cold dishes. Feeding patients when in a reclining position: 1. Place one corner of the napkin under the chin and protect the gown and sheet. Dry mouth with napkin, as necessary. 2. In giving liquids, pour a small quantity into a glass, raise the head slightly by slipping the arm and hand under the pillow. If the head is raised too far forward, it makes it difficult for the patient to swallow. 3. Drinking tubes: ideal drinking glasses are preferable to lifting the head unless the patient is too weak to draw fluid through a tube. Always clean a tube, at once, after its use. 4. Never use a glass tube in feeding a delirious patient. A dessert spoon may be used in feeding a delirious or unconscious patient. Pass the spoon back in the mouth, pressing the tongue gently down with the spoon and the food will generally be swallowed. Carry but a small amount of food in the spoon and do not feed too fast. CARE OF SURGICAL CASES 139 CARE OF SURGICAL CASES BEFORE AND AFTER OPERATION A. Woman's Ward: 1. General instructions: a. In all cases, give full bath, braid hair in two braids. b. For mastoid cases, shave hair two inches around area where incision is to be made. c. For breast cases, shave from collar bone to line of diaphragm, including axilla and arm, which is shaved to the elbow. d. For all vaginal cases, shave vulva and two inches beyond the line of pubic hair. Give iodine douche, using 2 drams tinc- ture of iodine to 2 quarts of water, 105 degrees F. e. For abdominal cases, shave abdomen and vulva. /. For special disinfection of the skin and dressings to be used, comply with the orders of the staff doctors. 2. Other preparations before operation: a. Soft diet, the evening before operation. b. Castor oil to be given 10 hours before time fixed for operation. c. Omit meal just preceding. d. Water may be given up to within one hour fixed for operation. e. An enema of 2 quarts of soap-suds into which has been stirred 30 minims of 140 NURSING TECHNIC turpentine. This is to be given 4 hours preceding the hour fixed for the opera- tion and to be given in the knee-chest position, when possible. f. The nurse is responsible for the patient being catheterized when ordered, or to see that the patient voids urine within one-half hour before the time sent to the operating room. g. Perineal suit, consisting of leggings and cap, is to be put on just before leaving the ward. h. False teeth, jewelry and hairpins are re- moved. Special care is to be taken of the teeth and jewelry. i. Nurse records the time sent to the operat- ing room and the hypodermic as given, when ordered. ;'. When the patient is wanted in the operat- ing room, the nurse accompanies her and takes the record sheet. 3. After care, in Recovery Department: a. When ordered, normal saline, one pint, with or without spiritus frumenti, one ounce, per rectum. b. Take pulse and respiration every 10 minutes during first hour. Take pulse and respiration every 20 minutes dur- ing next 3 hours. Take pulse and respiration every 4 hours for next 36 hours. c. Take temperature every four hours, per CARE OF SURGICAL CASES 141 rectum, if no saline is given. If saline is given, take temperature every four hours, per orem, if patient is conscious. If patient is unconscious and saline given, take temperature per axilla. d. Day of operation, sips of hot water may be given, or chipped ice. A gradual in- crease of hot water, cold water, weak tea and albumen water may be given, in the following 12 hours. If not nause- ated, milk, soups and custards may then be added, providing the patient is not a laparotomy. Soft diet in 24 hours. e. Laparotomy cases may have the liquids as above for the first 12 hours, slightly in- creased liquids for the first 72 hours un- less otherwise ordered by the attending physician. /. In case the patient is unable to void urine within 8 hours, catheterize and every 8 or 12 hours after, if ordered by the attending physician. Measure and record urine for 48 hours after operation. g. If wet or dry dressings need to be applied, use sterile forceps. h. After removal of vaginal packing, give sterile douche, lysol, l/2 per cent. B. Men's Ward: Junior interne prepares male patients. Other orders the same. 142 NURSING TECHNIC SYMPTOMS* The ability to recognize symptoms depends upon: The intelligence of the observer. Practice. The symptoms outlined are given to develop the power of observation on the part of the student. Symp- toms are recorded to aid the physician in making a diagnosis or to detect the malingerer. Symptoms are: Objective, namely, evident to the senses of the observer. Subjective, namely, felt or known only by the patient. Objective Symptoms: A. General: i. Gait. 2. Consciousness or coma, complete or partial. * 3. Apparent degree of illness. * 4. Obese, emaciated, and to what degree. 5. Mental condition. 6. General appearance of face, noting: a. Swelling. b. Puffiness under or about eyes. * c. Paralysis. * d. Apparent pain. e. Apparent weakness. /. Muscular contractions. g. Risus sardonicus. * h. Sunken temples. * Symptoms which are starred are not to be recorded on the history sheets. SYMPTOMS H3 * i. Relaxed jaw. 7. Tremors: a. Fine, as in exophthalmic goitre. * b. Coarse, as in delirium tremens or paral- ysis agitans. 8. Paralysis: * a. Flaccid type. * b. Spastic type. 9. Lying with eyes half closed or unevenly closed. * 10. Loss of the power of speech—aphasia (Gould). B. Position of patient: * 1. Sitting posture as in cardiac and respiratory diseases. * 2. Dorsal recumbent with knees flexed as in peritonitis and following abdominal sections. 3. Continuously lying on the affected side, as in pneumonia, pleurisy, appendicitis. 4. Lying on abdomen, suggesting abdominal pain, colic. 5. Leg flexed on affected side as in hip-joint disease and appendicitis. * 6. Continuously slipping down in bed, as in typhoid fever and the terminal stages of many diseases. * 7. Remaining too quiet, as in exhaustion. 8. Head drawn backward, as in meningitis 9. Oposthotonos, as in tetanus and strychnia poisoning. 144 NURSING TECHNIC * 10. Head drawn to one side, as in wry neck— torticollis. C. Restlessness: i. Tossing to and fro—jactitation. 2. Twitching condition of muscles—subsultus tendinum. 3. Picking at the bed-clothes—carphologia. 4. Muscular twitchings, as in the approach of convulsions. * 5. Startled movements, as upon the approach of persons unexpectedly or sudden noises. * 6. Yawning. D. Mental conditions: 1. Depressed. 2. Apathetic. 3. Anxious. 4. Irritable. 5. Excited. 6. Wandering. 7. Delirious: a. Low and muttering. b. Noisy and screaming. c. Constant or occasional. 8. Unconscious. * 9. Fearful. * 10. Cheerful. E. Appetite: 1. Loss of—anorexia. 2. Extensive or perverted, as in gluttony. 3. Thirst. SYMPTOMS 145 F. Sleep and insomnia: 1. Sleep continuous and restful. 2. Sleep disturbed and restless. 3. Night cry, as in children with hip-joint disease. * 4. Insomnia is grave, if long continued. * 5. Patient's thoughts during insomnia. * 6. Sleep and sepsis seldom go hand in hand. G. Skin: 1. Color: a. Yellow, jaundice. b. Pale. c. Flushed, general or hectic. d. Waxy. e. Cyanosed. f. Spotted. g. Soapy yellow, suggesting cancer. h. Ashen grey as of death. * i. Bronzed. 2. Dry and hot, as in fever. 3. Moist and hot, as in fever. 4. Moist and cold, as in shock. 5. Cold extremities or cold portions of the body. 6. Erythema, macules, papules, pustules, vesicles, crusts, scars, umbilications, ab- scesses, abrasions, ulcers, discolorations, desquamation, swellings, edema, wheals, appearance of palms, appearance of soles of feet and between toes and fingers, scalp. 146 NURSING TECHNIC 7. Sweating: a. Extreme weakness, as noted when tem- perature falls. b. Night sweats, as in tuberculosis. c. High temperature with wet skin, which is an alarming symptom. d. High temperature with dry skin, which is a less alarming symptom. e. Head sweating, as in rachitis. /. Joint sweating, as in arthritis. * g. Veins visible. * h. Arteries twigged, suggesting high blood- pressure. 8. Excessive sensitiveness of the skin—hyper- esthesia. * 9. Baldness—alopecia. H. Face: 1. Expression: a. Anxious, as in hemorrhage, shock and cardiac complications. 2. Pinched appearance about nose. 3. Pale area about the mouth. * 4. Special appearance accompanying sepsis. I. Eyes: * 1. Sunken, as in tuberculosis. 2. Heavy, dark circles under eyes. * 3. Prominent, as in exophthalmic goitre. * 4. Secretion and discharge of tears—lacrima- tion. * 5. Inflamed lids. 6. Puffiness about eyes, indicating circulatory or toxic conditions. SYMPTOMS 147 * 7. Wandering or rolling of eye-ball; twitching of eye-ball or lids. * 8. Squinting (strabismus) or frowning, some- times seen in meningitis. * 9. Glazed appearance, as when patient is mori- bund. 10. Color of sclera: bloodshot, or yellow as in jaundice. 11. Pupils even or uneven. 12. Size of pupils. 13. Pupils dilated, as when patient is in real pain or suffering from mental disturbance or fright. 14. Pupils contracted, as in a bright light or morphinism. * 15. Reflex action. J. Mouth: * 1. Odor of breath. 2. Sordes. 3. Gums : swollen, bleeding, tender, blue line on border of teeth as in lead poisoning. * 4. Ecchymosis, seen along the line of gums, as in scurvy. * 5. Koplik's spots on outer border of gums and inner border of cheeks, indicating measles. * 6. Prominences, like shot, on roof of mouth, as in small-pox. * 7. Mucous patches. 8. Corrosive patches, indicating certain poisons. 9. Excessive salivation. * 10. Inflammation of the mouth—stomatitis. 11. Sprue or thrush. 148 NURSING TECHNIC * 12. Noma—cancer. K. Tongue: 1. Dry or moist. * 2. Swollen, indented by teeth. 3. Coated: white, brown, yellow, sometimes nearly black. 4. Distribution of coating. * 5. Strawberry tongue, as in scarlet fever. 6. Dry and coated, as in fevers. * 7. Syphilitic ulceration or cancer. L. Throat: * 1. Laryngeal or pharyngeal inflammation. * 2. Tonsils: enlarged, swellings, abscesses, cheesy exudate, white or grey patches ex- tending over fauces. * 3. Adenoids. 4. Hemorrhage, following operations. M. Voice: 1. Hoarseness, as with " cold." * 2. Thick, as with enlarged tonsils. * 3. " Nasal," as with growth in nasal passages. * 4. " Whiskey " voice. * 5. High-pitched, as in hysteria. 6. Loss of voice—aphonia. 7. Incoherent: may be due to: a. Dullness of comprehension. b. Lack of interest. c. Slowness in response. N. Hands and feet: 1. Extra or missing fingers or toes. 2. Webbed fingers and toes. SYMPTOMS 149 * 3. Finger ends clubbed, as in tuberculosis or chronic heart disease. * 4. Joints clubbed, as in gout. 5. Finger nails: a. Skin underneath cyanosed, as in heart disease. * b. Thickened and ribbed, as in tubercu- losis. * c. Thin, brittle and dry, as in cases of lowered vitality. O. Abdomen: 1. Swollen and distended, locally or generally. * 2. Hollowed out, as in wasting diseases. 3. Distended with gas or air1—tympanites— (Dorland). * 4. Dropsy of the abdominal cavity—ascites— (Dorland). 5. Noise made by flatus in the bowel—bor- borygmus—(Dorland). * 6. In tympanites, note the hollowed or inflated portion of the trunk at the lower end of the breast bone—scrobiculus cordis. * 7. Boat-shaped—scaphoid—as in meningitis. P. Muscles: 1. Incoordination. 2. Twitching, spasm. 3. Stiffness. 4. Loss of control. 5. Muscular pain—myalgia. 6. Rigidity. 7. Contractions. 8. Diminution of size—atrophy. 150 NURSING TECHNIC Q. Bones: i. Joints: a. Grating sound, upon moving. b. Stiffness. c. Pain accompanying motion. d. Sweating of joint as in arthritis. * e. Abnormal growths at ends of long bones as at wrists and ankles. f. Knee: Knock knee—genu valgum. * Bow leg—genu varum. Backward bending—genu recurvatum, as in locomotor ataxia. * 2. Club feet—talipes. 3. Chest deformities (Berry) : * a. Rachitic rosary. * /;. Harrison's groove. * c. Pigeon breast. * d. Funnel chest. * 4. Spine curvature (Berry) : a. Round back—kyphosis. * b. Hollow back—lordosis. c. Lateral curvature—scoliosis. 5. Asymmetrical development. 6. Open anterior fontanel. * 7. Prominent forehead with square appearance. * 8. Delayed dentition. R. Vomitus: 1. Retching. 2. Quiet and without effort. 3. Strained or forcible. 4. Projectile. SYMPTOMS ISI 5. Relation to food ana medicine. 6. Contents: undigested food, bile, mucus; fecal matter, stercoraceous; blood, coffee grounds. 7. Amount. S. Sputum: 1. Quantity. 2. Odor. 3. Expectoration with or without cough. 4. White,glairy, viscid, green, purulent, mucoid, ropy, tenacious, " prune-juice." 5. Containing blood, as in tonsillectomy or gas- tric ulcer; frothy and pink, as in pulmonary hemorrhage. 6. Dark green, characteristic of gangrene of lung; copious, purulent and with foul odor. 7. Characteristic of tuberculosis; odor, white, flecked with yellow or tinged with blood, viscid. T. Feces: 1. Hard, dry, encrusted, bullet-formed. 2. Semi-formed or soft stool. 3. Liquid, as in diarrhea; "pea-soup," or "rice- water," as in poisonings. 4. Odor: characteristic, as in typhoid, carci- noma, abscess in bowel or rectum. 5. Frequency: due to over-eating, water, at- mospheric changes, mental shock, drugs. 6. White or clay color, indicating lack of bile. 7. Red or black, due to drugs. 8. Tarry stool, suggesting presence of blood. '52 NURSING TECHNIC 9. Blood-tinged, as in typhoid, dysentery, or bleeding hemorrhoids. 10. Mucus, as in colitis, giving a shiny and slimy appearance. 11. Parasitic: may contain pin, round or tape worms. 12. Pain with defecation—tenesmus. 13. Flatus. 14. Involuntary stools. 15. Undigested food, Lienteric stool. U. Urine: 1. Color: a. Normal: straw, amber, yellow. b. Abnormal: Dark red, dark brown, blood tinged. Dark, in fever; light, in hysteria. Yellowish-brown, presence of bile. Drug reactions: bright red—logwood; bright orange—senna or rhubarb; olive green—iodoform, salol, guaia- col, carbolic. 2. Odor: a. Normal, characteristic. b. Abnormal: Odor of decomposition, as in chronic cystitis. Sweet odor or sugary, as in diabetes. Drugs and various foods give a char- acteristic odor, as asparagus. 3. Quantity: a. Normal: healthy adult, 40 to 50 fluid- ounces in 24 hours; healthy child, 2 to SYMPTOMS 153 14 years, 15 to 40 fluidounces in 24 hours. b. Increased: in diabetes, copious drinking of fluids, drugs, excitement. c Decreased—anuria: in kidney complica- tions, after diaphoresis, diarrhea and hemorrhage. 4. Sediment: a. Finely powdered sediment indicating abnormal constituents. b. Gravel. c. Calculi. d. Pus. e. Brick-dust deposit in diaper of infant. 5. Note: a. Suppression. b. Retention. c. Retention with overflow. d. Incontinence. e. Involuntary. V. Temperature: 1. Degree varies with the disease, rising or falling gradually or suddenly. a. Continuous: remains high with slight variations, as in pneumonia. b. Remittent: remains above normal, but with considerable difference between highest and lowest points, as in typhoid. c. Intermittent: alternately rises to high point and falls to normal and below, as in malaria. 154 NURSING TECHNIC 2. Returns to normal: a. By crisis: a direct fall from a high tem- perature to normal or subnormal within a few hours, accompanied by a decrease in pulse and in respiration rates, as in pneumonia. b. By lysis: gradual return from a high temperature to normal, taking several days, as in typhoid. W. Pulse: An intermittent distention of the arterial walls which acts in accordance with each heart beat: I. Characteristics to consider when taking pulse: a. Rate: slow, normal or subnormal; quick, ioo to 120; rapid, 120 to 140; run- ning, 140 and above; galloping; flick- ering; water-hammer. b. Force: strength of beat, as weak, strong, sluggish, forcible. c. Volume: amount of blood which passes through the artery, depending partly upon the extensibility of the wall, as large, small, wiry, thready, cordy. d. Rhythm : regular or irregular in rhythm, force or volume, intermittent or di- crotic, regularly intermittent. e. Compressibility, whether or not it may be obliterated, temporarily, by pres- sure. f. Tension: low, pulse full, but soft and SYMPTOMS 155 easily compressed; high, pulse full be- tween beats and resistant to finger pressure. X. Respiration: 1. Characteristics to be considered: a. Rapid or slow. b. Shallow or deep (thoracic or abdom- inal). c. Regular or irregular. d. Accompanied with pain, constant or spasmodic. e. Mouth breathing. f. Inability to breathe except in an upright position. g. Difficult breathing—'dyspnea, orthop- nea. 2. Sound accompanying respiration: a. Wheezing, as in bronchitis and asthma. b. Sighing, as in air-hunger, shock, col- lapse or hemorrhage. c. Grunting, as in pneumonia. d. Stertorous, as in pneumonia. e. Cheynes-Stokes, as in uremia and paralysis. /. Coughing, without effort or rasping. g. Hiccoughing, serious, if long continued. h. Sneezing. i. Panting. /'. Snoring, as in alcoholism and nephritis. k. Biot's, as in meningitis. /. Mucus rattle in throat. 156 NURSING TECHNIC Subjective symptoms: A. General: i. Hunger. 2. Thirst. 3. General malaise, or tiredness. 4. Exhaustion. 5. Nervousness. 6. Nausea. 7. Dizziness. 8. Sense of falling. 9. Numbness. 10. Tenderness. 11. Extremities "asleep." 12. Palpitation of the heart. 13. Prickling and tingling of the throat, etc. 14. Dryness of throat. 15. Cramps in extremities. 16. Itching. B. Pain: 1. Locality, as headache. 2. Time (as nocturnal bone-pain of syphilis). 3. Duration. 4. Relieved or increased by the application of heat or cold, change of position, or pressure. 5. Nature: a. Slight. b. Severe. c. Acute. d. Dull. e. Sharp. SYMPTOMS 157 f. Darting. g. Burning. h. Throbbing. i. Steady. ;*. Spasmodic. k. Stinging. C. Special senses: 1. Eyes: a. Sensitiveness to light—photophobia. b. Disorder, as seeing " spots," etc. c. Loss of vision, due to disease, age, brain lesions. 2. Nose: a. Coryza. b. Loss of smell, as in nasal infections. 3. Ears: a. Loss of hearing, as in infections, use of quinine. b. Ringing and buzzing in ears. D. Chills or rigors: Record time, duration and severity of seizure. Take and record temperature at beginning of chill and every half-hour during chill and for two hours after chill. CHAPTER V MEDICINAL TOPICS RULES FOR GIVING MEDICINE Medicine Cabinet Must Be Kept Locked When Not In Use i . Never talk to anyone or allow anyone to talk to you while giving medicine. 2. Keep your mind on the work in which you are engaged. 3. Remember that there is an element of danger in every drop of medicine. 4. Read your orders carefully and be sure you understand them. 5. Never give a drug in the dark or in dim light. 6. Never give or use a drug of any kind that is not plainly labelled. 7. Never give a pill, capsule or tablet that has accidentally been spilled or escaped from its container. 8. Never give a medicine which you have a shadow of doubt about; find out about it or omit. 9. Verbal orders by doctors to student nurses are not allowable. 10. Shake liquid medicines before pouring them out. 11. Regular medicine glasses and droppers should be used to measure liquid medicine. 12. Keep separate medicine glasses for oil and strong- smelling J---- 158 RULES FOR GIVING MEDICINE 13. Never allow one patienlt to carry medicine to another. 14. Always record medicine, but never record a dose as given until patient has actually taken it. 15. When giving liquid medicines to an unconscious patient, drop it far back on the tongue, using a dessert spoon. 16. Never give a delirious or unconscious patient a pill or powder placed on the tongue. Give after dissolving it in water. 17. Dilute fluid medicine as a rule. 18. Some cough remedies should be given undiluted, while other remedies, as iron, arsenic, dilute acids, and digitalis should be well diluted. Never dilute more than necessary. 19. Give acids and medicines containing iron through a glass tube. 20. Never mix or give at the same time medicines which change color or form a precipitate when put together, nor put tablets in liquid medicines. 21. Make a dose of medicine as palatable as possible. 22. In diluting a medicine use hot or ice cold water. 23. A disagreeable flavor may be made less noticeable if the patient holds the nostrils closed while tak- ing it and then breathes deeply several times while the nostrils are still closed. 24. Castor oil, and other oils except croton oil, may be given in lemon juice, milk, coffee, brandy, sherry and whiskey. 25. Oleum Tiglii (croton oil) may be given on sugar or in prepared olive oil, proportion of 1 to 7. 26. Powders may be given in syrup, glycerine, jam or i6o NURSING TECHNIC honey, or placed far back on the tongue and swal- lowed with a drink of water. 27. To test whether pills or triturate tablets are fresh, pulverize them. If not readily pulverized, the drug is not fresh. 28. Keep all poisons on a shelf in the cabinet, locked, if possible. 29. Tablets and pills, if ordered, are given dissolved to typhoid patients. 30. Sleep-producing medicines: Prior to fulfilling these orders, have the patient ready for sleep; bed comfortable, treatment given, temperature taken, visitors excluded, ventilation as perfect as possible. After the medicine is given, add the finishing touches, give a drink of water, adjust light. Keep room quiet. 31. The five rights should be learned and closely adhered to by every nurse, as a student and as a graduate, when giving medicines; namely: The right medicine, in the right amount, in the right way, at the right time, to the right patient, and record. INUNCTIONS A. Object: 1. To administer a drug through the skin. B. General instructions: 1. A large surface of the body is rubbed well with warm oil when ordered for the patient SUPPOSITORIES 161 whose condition is poorly nourished. No especial precautions other than ordinary cleanliness need to be observed. 2. In giving mercurial inunction, never apply the ointment to the same spot on consecutive days. Care of the nurse in handling these patients is extremely necessary. C. Method: i. Select the less hairy portion of the body, as in the space in front of both elbows, and on the surfaces of both thighs. 2. Cleanse the portion of skin to which the inunc- tion is to be applied. 3. Apply the inunction and rub it into the skin thoroughly. 4. When mercuric ointment is ordered, it may be rubbed in by the use of the-flat portion of a glass stopple or by a rubber-gloved hand. SUPPOSITORIES A. Object: 1. To administer a drug through the rectum. B. Method: 1. Have patient lie on left side and do not expose the body. 2. Lubricate the index finger with oil or vaseline. The warmth of the fingers and rectum melts the surface of the suppository. 3. Pass it into the rectum beyond the internal sphincter muscle. 11 162 NURSING TECHNIC 4. In case of infectious diseases, always protect the finger with a finger cot. 5. If the odor clings to the hand wash the hand with soap and water, then rub on dry mus- tard while hand is still wet, then wash again. COUNTER-IRRITANTS A. Object: 1. To dilate the blood-vessels of the skm. 2. To relieve inflammation and pain. B. Types: 1. Rubefacients cause redness of skin: a. Dry heat. b. Moist heat: Fomentations or stupes. Poultices. Baths. c. Friction with hand alone, and with lini- ments. d. Medication. 2. Vesicants cause blisters on skin : a. Medication. b. Heat. C. Precautions: 1. Watch action carefully, and in case of un- toward results, report at once to the head- nurse. 2. When applications are made of turpentine or cantharides, note the amount and color of urine and pain in voiding. 3. If skin seems sensitive or very red from con- COUNTER-IRRITANTS 163 tinued application, apply sweet oil or vaseline to the surface. D. Method: 1. Dry heat: a. Apply to the affected area hot water bag with small amount of very hot water— not boiling water. b. Remove when skin is well reddened. 2. Moist heat: a. Hot fomentations: Articles necessary: Three pieces of thick, soft flannel, for stupe cloths, twice the size of area to be covered. Piece of rubber sheeting one-half size of flannel. Binder and safety pins. Blanket. Wringer. Two basins in which to heat cloths. To abdomen: Prepare flannel from boiling water in same way as for hot dressing, take to bedside in wringer and basin. Place blanket over patient, folding bedclothes down half-way; turn gown over chest. Place binder under back, then rubber sheet near. Take cloths from wringer, shake quickly, place on abdomen, cover with rubber, turning in the edges. NURSING TECHNIC Cover with dry flannel and pin binder just tight enough to hold cloths in place. Change hot cloths every two hours, unless otherwise ordered. Keep abdomen covered when replac- ing heated flannel. When treatment is stopped, leave dry flannel over abdomen 4 to 6 hours. To breast: Cut a hole in the centre of stupe cloths to prevent nipple being cov- ered. Parchment paper is better as pro- tective than rubber sheeting. b. Turpentine stupes: To abdomen: Before applying hot cloths, apply solu- tion of turpentine and olive oil (1-7) with applicators to abdomen and cover with a piece of thin mus- lin; then apply hot fomentation. Solution of turpentine to be re-ap- plied every eight hours. c. Mustard plaster or sinapism: Articles necessary: Mustard. Flour. Tepid water. Thin muslin cloth a little more than twice the size ordered. Towel. Plaster board, or newspaper. COUNTER-IRRITANTS 165 Preparation: Take mustard 1 part, flour 3 to 6 parts for an adult, or mustard 1 part and flour 12 parts for a child. Mix to a thin paste with tepid water. Have the muslin ready, creased in half, and about 1 to 2 inches on the four sides; place on plaster board or on a newspaper and spread the paste over one-half of the muslin as outlined by creases. Fold the other half over the paste with the edges of both sides folded in. In- sert the third edge into the sides already folded, thus making all edges even and holding the plaster as put in the cloth. If desired, the edges may be basted with long stitches. Carry to the patient by placing in a warm towel, or on a warm plate, or in a warm basin. Apply to the skin and cover with towel. Use binder to hold in place, if neces- sary. Leave 15 or 20 minutes or until the skin is well reddened; avoid blister- ing. Method of removing: Wash skin with soap and warm water, and if skin is too irritated, apply NURSING TECHNIC vaseline or oil and cover with muslin. If the skin is very sensitive, add white of egg or sweet oil when mixing the plaster, to prevent blistering. d. Flaxseed poultice: Articles necessary: Boiling water. Flaxseed meal. Muslin double the size of finished poultice, and allow for folding in at the sides. Piece of dry flannel. Binder and safety pins. Towel. Saucepan and large spoon for prep- aration. Preparation: Add the flaxseed meal very slowly to the water boiling over a flame, stir- ring all of the time. When mixture is thick enough to fall in a mass from the spoon, remove from fire and beat until light. Proceed as with mustard plaster. Roll in flannel, cover with towel and take to bedside. Apply to area slowly, as great heat may thus be borne by the patient. Cover with flannel and hold in place with binder. Change every two hours. COUNTER-IRRITANTS 167 To remove: Wash skin with soap and warm water and dry by patting with cloth. Leave dry flannel on the area from 4 to 6 hours. e. Tincture of iodine: Articles necessary: Medicine glass with tincture of iodine. Applicators with cotton or gauze on end. Kidney basin to be used as a tray. Gauze. Alcohol, 95 per cent., or sweet oil. Method: Outline the area to be painted with the swab moistened in the iodine. Paint the surface thus outlined with tincture of iodine and allow it to dry. Apply second coat in same way, if ordered. Cover with gauze. If irritation is too severe, wash area with cotton dipped in alcohol or sweet oil. E. Vesicants: 1. Cantharides plaster: a. Precautions: Use no larger piece of plaster than or- dered, as too much cantharides may be absorbed and cause acute nephritis. NURSING TECHNIC Watch and measure urine for 24 hours after applying. Never apply plaster over broken skin. Never apply adhesive plaster or tight bandages over cantharides plaster, as it may prevent blister from forming. Articles necessary: Basin with warm water and green soap. Alcohol, 50 per cent. Towel. Binder and safety pins. Plaster one inch square, unless other- wise ordered. Never apply without exact size and lo- cation being prescribed by physician. Method of applying: If plaster is not perfectly fresh, oil its surface before applying. Clean skin with soap and water, fol- lowed by alcohol. Cut corners of plaster round, and apply. Use bandage to hold in place if neces- sary. Method of removing: Leave on for 4 to 8 hours, if ordered. If there is no blister in 8 hours, remove and apply flaxseed poultice, which will usually produce blister. Have a tray with: Scissors (sterile). Zinc oxide ointment. Gauze. HYPODERMIC INJECTIONS 169 Adhesive. Remove plaster carefully, without tear- ing skin. Clip lower surface of blister. Press serum out gently with cotton sponge. Take up serum with sponges. Apply dressing of zinc oxide, and if ordered, strap with adhesive. HYPODERMIC INJECTIONS Drugs for this use are put up in concentrated form (tablets). Dose usually J/2 to }i that ordered by mouth. A. Object: 1. To obtain prompt action of a drug, giving quick relief from unfavorable symptoms. 2. To administer a drug when the person is un- able to swallow. 3. To prevent irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach or rectum. B. General directions: 1. Give fresh drug only; if not fresh, an abscess is liable to result. 2. Always expel the air from the barrel. 3. Have everything sterile. 4. Never boil a drug in water. 5. If two drugs are ordered, draw in first drug, expel air, wash minim graduate with alco- hol and sterile water, measure second drug in glass and draw it in the barrel. 170 NURSING TECHNIC 6. If less than four minims of any drug is to be given, inject it into the deepest muscles. 7. Give vertically deep into the muscles: digi- talis, quinine, bichloride of mercury, ergot, arsenic compounds, owing to their irritat- ing nature. 8. Always give digitalis well diluted. 9. When giving hypodermics at frequent in- tervals, inject into the arms or legs, always rotating in the same order, giving only once in each place. 10. Insert the needle in direction of the heart and in fleshy parts of body only, as on outer surface of arms, legs, thighs; never over the bony portions. 11. After giving injection, massage around, not over the site of puncture. 12. Occasionally a capillary is punctured, which reddens an area about the site of puncture. This disappears like any bruised spot. 13. Always report to the head-nurse if a needle is broken at the time of giving injection, and save it for inspection. 14. Keep a small string tied in one end of wire to prevent it from becoming lost. 15. Leave wire in needle. 16. Oil the piston with a drop of sterile sweet oil occasionally. It may be necessary to soak the entire syringe in oil. 17. Leave hypodermic tray in faultless condition. C. Types: 1. Subcutaneous. HYPODERMIC INJECTIONS 171 2. Antitoxin serums. 3. Hypodermoclysis. 4. Lumbar injections. 5. Intravenous. D. Drugs commonly used subcutaneously: 1. Morphine sulphate. 2. Atropine sulphate. 3. Strychnine sulphate and nitrate. 4. Apomorphine. 5. Nitroglycerine. 6. Pilocarpine hydrochloride. 7. Hyoscine hydrobromide. 8. Brandy. 9. Ether. 10. Camphorated oil. 11. Caffeine sodium benzoate. 12. Digitalis. 13. Digitaline. E. Articles necessary: Tray carrying: 1. Carbolic, 5 per cent. 2. Alcohol, 95 per cent. 3. Sterile water. 4. Alcohol lamp. 5. Two glasses, one with matches, one for burnt matches. 6. Standard, with spoon attached. 7. Forceps in lysol, 2 per cent. 8. Receptacle with sterile sponges. 9. Receptacle with hypodermic syringe and needles with wires. 172 NURSING TECHNIC 10. When solutions are used, bottles containing the drugs, except ergot, quinine, iron and arsenic. II. When tablets are used, bottles containing same in different strengths. F. To prepare: I. Boil the needle in spoon attached to standard. 2. Disinfect barrel by using: a. Carbolic solution, then b. Alcohol, then c. Sterile water, d. And note that there is no leakage. 3. If the drug is in tablet form, measure 10 or 15 minims of sterile water in the barrel, then empty this water into the spoon in which is placed the tablet in order to dissolve the same, then draw the solution into the barrel. 4. Expel the air by holding the syringe in an upright position and pressing the piston gently upward until the solution is near the exit. 5. Attach the needle by use of forceps. 6. Again hold the syringe in an upright position with the needle pointing upward and press- ing the piston gently until a small drop appears at the end of the needle. 7. Carry to bedside with needle covered with cotton wet with alcohol, 95 per cent. G. To give: 1. Cleanse the site of puncture with cotton mois- tened with alcohol. 2. Take up and hold firmly, between thumb and first finger of left hand, a cushion of muscle. ADMINISTRATION OF ANTITOXIN 173 3. Insert needle quickly, almost vertically, and in the direction of the heart. 4. Withdraw needle slightly, and allow solution to be injected by pressing the piston gently. 5. Withdraw needle, massage area gently with a sponge. H. To clean hypodermic syringe: 1. Proceed as when preparing to give hypodermic except allowing the needle to be attached to the barrel. 2. Remove needle and insert wire, always leaving the tray in unquestionable condition. I. Record: Hour, drug and amount (hypo.) in red ink. ADMINISTRATION OF ANTITOXIN Injection is usually given subcutaneously, in tissues of the thigh, abdomen or chest, along the posterior line below the scapula and down to the waist line. It is sometimes given intravenously; if so, it is done by the interne. A. Articles necessary: 1. Tincture iodine. 2. Applicators. 3. Two medicine glasses. 4. Collodion dressing. 5. Antitoxin. B. Method: 1. Give in side most convenient for patient. 2. Paint the part with iodine. 3. The needle should be pointed upward, plunged slowly, and the contents forced upward until 174 NURSING TECHNIC all air is expelled and a drop of the antitoxin serum appears on the point of the needle. 4. Catch a good firm hold of the flesh, then insert the needle quickly, through the skin, which is held firmly between the thumb and index finger. 5. Slowly inject the serum. 6. Withdraw the needle quickly. 7. Apply collodion dressing. LAVAGE A. Object: 1. To wash the inside of the stomach. 2. To remove poisons and irritating matter. 3. To relieve nausea. B. General instructions: 1. Gain the confidence of the patient 2. When inserting the stomach tube, do not use force and avoid striking the posterior wall of the pharynx. 3. When pouring in the fluid, do not allow the funnel to become empty. 4. Discontinue the treatment at once, if blood appears during siphonage. C. Articles necessary: 1. Sterile stomach tube and funnel. 2. Pail or large jar. 3. Two rubber sheets. 4. Towel. 5. Kidney basin. 6. Two cloths for handkerchiefs. 7. The solution ordered by the doctor at the tern- LAVAGE 175 perature required; if sterile water is ordered, prepare two pitchers, 105 and 115 degrees F., respectively. 8. Basin containing ice, to cool the tube. 9. Cork, piece of roller bandage or spool, to put between the teeth, when necessary. D. Method: 1. Cover rubber sheet with towel, turning it over the edge, and place it about the patient's neck. 2. Place pail on floor near patient, under which is a second rubber sheet, for the protection of the floor. 3. Estimate the distance from the mouth to tHe stomach of the patient and measure this length, approximately, on the tube and allow two inches more. 4. Have the patient in such a position as to allow the esophagus to be in a straight line. 5. Have the head of the patient supported and insert the tube. 6. When the tube reaches the pharynx, urge the patient to breathe deeply and swallow fre- quently and continue to gently press the tube until the estimated point has been reached. 7. Never use force. 8. Pour the solution into the funnel, holding the funnel not too high above the patient's head. Continue until a pint has been introduced into the stomach. Then lower the tube over the pail before the solution has entered the stomach and siphon. 176 NURSING TECHNIC 9. Repeat in accordance with the doctor's orders or until the water returns clear. 10. When removing tube, pinch it tightly, so that any water in the tube may not drop back into the trachea. E. Record: 1. Time and treatment given. 2. Character of solution first returned. 3. Amount of water used before a clear return. 4. Any abnormal conditions present. GAVAGE A. Object: 1. To introduce food into the stomach. B. Articles necessary: 1. As for lavage, except the pail and one rubber sheet. 2. Six to eight ounces of prepared food in a glass graduate or pitcher, according to the doctor's orders. C. Method: 1. Introduce tube as for lavage. 2. Pinch the tube, wait a few seconds before in- troducing the food, noting respirations. 3. Pour the liquid into the funnel slowly and at the side. 4. Pinch the tube, withdraw it gently but quickly. 5. Have the patient remain quiet after the treatment. D. Record: 1. Hour of feeding. 2. The preparation of food given and amount. 3. Result. NASAL FEEDING 177 NASAL FEEDING A. Object: 1. To introduce food into the stomach, through the nasal passages. B. Ordered: 1. When patient is unmanageable. 2. When patient is in coma. 3. Following some operations. C. General instructions: 1. Keep patient in a recumbent position. 2. If there is difficulty in inserting the catheter into one nostril, try the other. 3. Watch the tube that it does not coil in the mouth. 4. Avoid getting the tube in the trachea. 5. Hold funnel to ear or invert it into water, before pouring in the fluid. 6. Watch the face of the patient; if cyanotic, withdraw the tube at once. D. Articles necessary: 1. Small catheter with small funnel. 2. Sterile vaseline. 3. Glass filled with water. 4. Towel. 5. Cloth for handkerchief. 6. Graduate glass containing warm food. E. Method: 1. Place patient's head so that the esophagus is in a straight line. 2. Place towel about neck, with one end protect- ing pillow at side of head. i78 NURSING TECHNIC 3. Insert tube into nostril and down into esoph- agus. 4. Test, to know that the patient is not breathing through the catheter. 5. Pour food into the funnel slowly. 6. Pinch the catheter when withdrawing.. 7. When feeding a small child, wrap it tightly in a sheet or blanket to control any struggle on its part. TEST MEALS A. Object: 1. To aid diagnosis by determining: a. Motor function of stomach. b. Reaction of gastric juice. c. Absorbing power of stomach. B. General directions: 1. Give on empty stomach. 2. See that patient does not take anything after- wards, until meal is removed. 3. Caution patient to masticate slowly and thoroughly. 4. Remove promptly at time desired. 5. When removing—precautions same as for lavage. C. Types: 1. Ewald's test breakfast: a. Two small pieces of dry toast. b. Eight ounces of clear tea. c. Remove in one hour, or as ordered. STEAM INHALATIONS 179 2. Boas' test breakfast: a. Six ounces strained oatmeal gruel. b. Remove in one hour. 3. Motor meal: a. A dinner served of foods that have a great deal of cellulose, such as vegetables with fibre—turnips, cabbage, etc. b. Fruits with skins, etc. c. Small serving of meat. d. Remove in 7 hours. D. Articles necessary for removing (aspirating stomach): 1. Same as for lavage—except stomach pump and drainage pail and rubber sheet. 2. Sterile stomach tube with aspirating bulb. 3. Sterile specimen bottle. E. Method: 1. Prepare patient and pass tube as in lavage. 2. Expel air from bulb, attach to tube—it must be air tight. 3. When bulb is fully expanded, detach, empty contents into specimen jar, and repeat until all contents are removed. 4. Cover jar securely, tag, and send to laboratory. F. Record: 1. Hour test meal given, and kind. 2. Hour test meal removed, and sent to laboratory. STEAM INHALATIONS A. Object: 1. To relieve spasmodic breathing. 2. To disinfect bronchial secretions. i8o NURSING TECHNIC 3. To stimulate expectoration. 4. To afford comfort to the patient. B. Types: 1. Pitcher and towel method. 2. Tea-kettle and cone. 3. Croup tents. C. Pitcher and towel: 1. Pour prescribed drug into pitcher of boiling water. 2. Wrap pitcher with heavy towel, leave a small opening through which the vapor can be inhaled. D. Tea-kettle and cone. When the inhalation is to be continued for some time: 1. Pour medicated water into kettle and keep it boiling over a gas or alcohol flame. 2. Attach to spout of kettle the small end of a cone of stiff paper, or a piece of rubber tubing with a funnel on free end, which is placed conveniently for patient to inhale steam. E. Croup tents: 1. General instructions: a. Have steam directed away from patient's face. b. Avoid danger of fire, from lamp. 2. Articles necessary: a. Four sticks, four or five feet long. b. Eight bandages or heavy cord. c. One blanket. d. Two or three sheets. e. Bucket. STEAM INHALATIONS 181 f. Two or three bricks. g. Alcohol lamp. h. Tea-kettle with medication, as ordered. i. Rubber tubing, with funnel attached. ;'. Safety and common pins. 3. Method: a. Tie the lower ends of sticks firmly, with bandage or strong cord, to each corner of bedstead, below mattress. b. Stretch bandage tightly from free ends of sticks, to form the basis for pinning blankets and sheets for canopy. c. Place blanket, lengthwise, at head of bed, outside of frame, so that the lower edge comes to the edge of the mattress. d. Fix the rubber tubing, with funnel, to blanket above the patient's head and directed away from the face. It may be placed at the side of the bed, if desired. e. At right side of bed, place a sheet length- wise, with the lower border just below the line of the mattress. Pin on bandage, using as many sheets as necessary to make the tent. Pin the edges of the sheets together over the bed neatly. /. Fold back one corner of sheet on top of canopy, to admit air. g. Place bucket, containing the alcohol lamp and tea-kettle containing the solution, at head of bed, supported by the bricks. h. Attach free end of tubing. Light lamp. CHAPTER VI DRESSING ROOM DUTIES OF DRESSING ROOM NURSE A. Day nurse: i. Assists with dress cases. 2. Is responsible for the application of hot dress- ings. 3. Prepares extra dressings to be sterilized and has them ready to send to the sterilizing room at 5.30 P.M. 4. Prepares protective strips. 5. Sterilizes vaseline and oil preparations. 6. Keeps jars, etc., supplied with suture material. 7. Is responsible for the fulfilment of extra orders. B. Night nurse: 1. Every night: a. Cleans dressing room furniture and dress- ing cart. b. Boils water, in cans, for sterile water supply. c. Sterilizes all pitchers, basins, irrigators and douche cans. Pitchers, basins and irrigators are put in sterile bags and properly placed; douche cans, covered with a sterile towel, are placed bottom side up on a shelf which has been cov- ered with a sterile towel. 182 Fig. 28.—Laparotomy sheet showing strips of gauze pinned in right hand pockets, and as used, placed in left hand pockets. 184 NURSING TECHNIC d. Sterilizes douche points, glass catheters and all glass utensils used in dressings, by cleaning and boiling. 2. Once a week: a. Fumigates. b. Re-sterilizes all supplies. 3. Twice a week: o. Sterilizes all dressing jars, by boiling or steam. b. Makes sterile stock salt solution. 4. As necessary: a. Prepares the following solutions: Carbolic, 5 per cent. Bichloride of mercury, 1 to 500. Alcohol, 50 per cent. Lysol, 2 per cent. Green soap. Boric acid solution. b. Prepares patients for operations. C. Gives A.M. douches and irrigations. d. Orders hypodermoclysis set. e. Leaves dressing-room ordered and sup- plied. STERILE SUPPLIES A. Object: 1. To have supplies "surgically clean," i.e., to prepare and handle them in such a manner as to prevent them carrying infection. B. General instructions: 1. Sterilized articles should never come in contact with any unsterile articles. Should an article STERILE SUPPLIES 185 be contaminated, it must be resterilized before being used. C. Preparation of sterile supplies: 1. Steam: Cover, in envelope fashion, towels, sheets, gowns, sponges, dressings, gloves, etc., with closely woven material large enough for all edges to overlap. Do not make these packages too compact. Use as few pins as possible, quilting the pins through the cover, having only the head exposed. Bags with draw-strings are best for covering basins, pitcher, etc. Place in autoclave for 1 hour, under twenty pounds pressure. 2. Boiling: a. Rubber articles, as catheters or colon tubes: Cleanse articles. Fold or tie in muslin and place in a large quantity of salted water. b. Medicinal agents in jars or bottles: Place the jars or bottles in a receptacle, pro- tecting the bottom with muslin and cov- ering with as much tepid water as pos- sible without floating the jar or bottle. Loosen the lid or cork. c. Pitchers, basins, etc.: Clean and place in a receptacle sufficiently large to cover with water. Cover receptacle. d. Instruments: Cleanse each instrument separately, carefully and thoroughly, 186 NURSING TECHNIC avoiding the sharp edges. Wrap sharp instruments in cotton or gauze sepa- rately. Place the heavier instruments in lower part of rack, rolled in towel or muslin. Place more delicate instru- ments, carefully wrapped, on top of heavier instruments. e. Glass: Cleanse, protect in muslin, place in a large amount of tepid water. /. Oil: The same as for medicinal agents. 3. To disinfect instruments, basins, pitchers, etc., chemically: a. Immerse small instruments in carbolic acid, 95 per cent., and then neutralize thoroughly in alcohol, 95 per cent. Rinse in sterile water. b. Glass catheters, douche points, rubber goods, medicine stoppers, medicine glasses, irrigating tips, should never be chemically sterilized in 95 per cent, car- bolic acid. c. Pitchers, basins, irrigators, and sometimes towels or muslin, are disinfected by im- mersing in bichloride of mercury, 1 to 1,000, or carbolic acid solution, 5 per cent., for one hour. E. Handling sterile supplies: 1. Forceps for handling sterilized materials should be cleansed, boiled and placed in a sterile jar containing fresh lysol solution, 2 per cent. This must be done daily, or in case of accident, more often. Never allow STERILE SUPPLIES 187 the hand or arm to pass across an open sterile receptacle or disinfected field. If articles are in cover, remove the pins, open carefully, holding the sterilized corners un- derneath the package. Never touch the in- side of the cover. The contents may be removed by forceps into a sterile basin, or they may be dropped upon the disinfected field, or removed by a disinfected hand. Fig. 29.—Sterile vaseline and Beck's paste in glass syringes used for dressings, showing cover for end of syringe. 2. Keep the articles covered by a sterile cloth or towel, or when in basin one basin may cover another. Always hold the basin by pressing the hands on the sides, or holding it by placing the hands beneath the bottom of the basin; never grasp it with the fingers over the rim. 188 NURSING TECHNIC 3. Sterile pitchers: Keep covered with sterile towel or cloth. Grasp at the lower part of handle or support bottom on the hand; never grasp by the lip. 4. Sterile supply jars: Lift the lid straight up from the jar, and remove contents with forceps. If necessary to put lid down, place with the bottom side up, so that the inner rim will not come in contact with any un- sterile thing. In replacing lid on jar, avoid striking it against the sides of the jar. F. Pouring solution: 1. When the bottle is full, remove stopple by lift- ing the same between the first and second fingers of the right hand with the palm upward. 2. Clean the mouth of the bottle with disinfectant solution on sponge, then grasp the bottle, having the label side toward the palm, and pour the solution. 3. Wipe off the mouth, set the bottle in its proper place, label visible, and drop the stopple in position. 4. In case of large bottle, remove stopple, place it inverted on table and use both hands in pour- ing solution and follow the foregoing rules as to other procedures. 5. In case no disinfectant is available, a small amount of solution may be poured from the mouth of the bottle to cleanse the same, hold- ing over a sink or basin, and never over the floor. SOLUTIONS 189 G. Disinfection of hands for catheterization and ward dressings: 1. Wash hands and arms to elbows with soap and running water and clean nails. 2. Then scrub each hand with a stiff brush for two minutes in the following order: a. Forearm and wrist. b. Knuckles and back of hand. c. Back and sides of fingers, separately. d. Thumb and palm of hand and inside of fingers. e. Nails. /. Clean nails with blunt-pointed orange- wood stick. g. Scrub forearm and hands in the same order for one minute each. h. Rinse hands and soak in lysol solution two minutes. To prepare lysol solution, use forty minims of lysol to one pint of sterile water in a sterile basin. 3. Precaution: a. Keep hands held so that there is no pos- sible way of touching any article, or if necessary to wait for any length of time, fold same in a sterile towel. SOLUTIONS Note.—These formulae are sufficiently accurate for practical purposes. Bichloride of mercury (corrosive sublimate) : One to five hundred, bichloride of mercury, drams 2, by weight. Sodium chloride, drams 10, by weight. 190 NURSING TECHNIC Cold sterile water,' gallon 1. Dissolve the bichloride and sodium chloride in one- half pint of sterile water. Filter this into suffi- cient sterile water to make one gallon. This solution may also be made without the sodium chloride. Boric acid (boracic acid) : Saturated solution contains about 6 per cent, boric acid. Dissolve 7 ounces of boric acid crystals in 1 gallon of sterile water. Carbolic acid (phenol) : Ninety-five per cent.: Measure 3 drams of hot water and add melted carbolic acid crystals suffi- cient to make 8 ounces. Mix thoroughly until clear. Filter, if necessary. Five per cent.: Measure 7 ounces of the 95 per cent. carbolic acid and add sufficient cold sterile water to make 1 gallon. Mix thoroughly. Dakin's solution: Prepare two solutions, as follows: 1. Chloride of lime, ounces 2; water, gallons 2^4. 2. Sodium bicarbonate, 4^2 ounces; sodium car- bonate, A.y2 ounces; water, 2 gallons. Allow each to stand 24 hours, before mixing. Pour off the clear solution and strain. Keep in dark bottles or jugs. Formaldehyde (formalin) : One per cent.: Measure 6l/2 drams liquid formal- dehyde and add sufficient cold sterile water to make I quart. One to one thousand: Measure 38 minims liquid formaldehyde and add sufficient cold sterile water to make 1 quart. SOLUTIONS 191 Green soap: Green soap, 1 pint; water, 1 pint. Boil and stir until dissolved. It should be the consistency of syrup. Locke's solution (given as an enema or hypodermo- clysis): Sodium chloride, gr. 276. Calcium chloride, gr. 7. Potassium chloride, gr. 13. Sodium bicarbonate, gr. 9. Dextrose, dr. y2. Distilled water, pt. 4. Lysol: Two per cent.: Lysol, drams 5 ; sterile water, 1 quart. Salt: Stock: Sodium chloride, iy2 ounces by weight; water, 8 ounces. Boil in a closed vessel for 15 minutes. When cool, add sufficient sterile water to make 8 ounces. Strain through sterile cotton into a sterile bottle and keep well stoppled. Normal: Measure 1 ounce and 3^3 drams of stock solution and add sufficient sterile water to make 1 quart. Normal salt solution should carry 127^2 grains of salt to 1 quart of water. Solution Table 1-500 Use I gr. or 1 m to 1 oz. or 16 gr. or 16 m to 1 pt 1-1000 Use y2 gr. to 1 oz. or 8 gr. or 8 m to 1 pt 1-2000 Use J4 Sr- to * oz- or 4 gr- or 4 m to 1 pt 1-3000 Use Y(, gr. to 1 oz. or 22/z gr. to 1 pt 1-4000 Use Y& gr. to 1 oz. or 2 gr. or 2 m to 1 pt 1-5000 Use 1/10 gr. to 1 oz. or 1^ gr. to 1 pt 1-10,000 Use 1/20 gr. to 1 oz. or 1/4 gr- to 1 pt 192 NURSING TECHNIC Percentage Table I Per cent. Use 5 gr. to I oz. or 76 gr. to I pt. 2 Per cent. Use 10 gr. to 1 oz. or 153 gr. ( 2^2 dr.) to 1 pt. 3 Per cent. Use 15 gr. to 1 oz. or 230 gr. ( 3^ dr.) to 1 pt. 4 Per cent. Use 20 gr. to 1 oz. or 308 gr. (5 dr.) to 1 pt. 5 Per cent. Use 24 gr. to 1 oz. or 384 gr. ( 6>2 dr.) to 1 pt. 10 Per cent. Use 48 gr. to 1 oz. or 768 gr. (13 dr.) to 1 pt. BINDERS A. Object: 1. To keep applications and surgical dressings in place. 2. To make compression. 3. To limit motion. 4. To afford support and comfort to the patient. B. Precaution: 1. Carelessly and inefficiently applied binders are worse than none. C. Types: 1. Scultetus for abdomen. 2. Straight for ab- domen. 3. T binders. 4. Straight binder for chest. 1. Scultetus: a. Pass half of bandage (rolled) under patient in such a way that centre of bandage will come to centre of back. b. Apply bandage from above toward pubes, folding strips alternately and obliquely. c. Place two safety pins at end which is folded over last. d. Place one safety pin in centre of BINDERS 193 bandage so that it holds all folds, except the first two. 2. Straight abdominal binder: a. Fold over front edges to fit form of patient. b. Quilt pins down centre with pins crosswise of abdomen. c. Adjust two perineal straps to hold abdominal bandage in place. 1. Pin ends of each strap under lower edge of binder, two inches from median line, in front. 2. Bring down smoothly over groin, around each leg to back of binder, and pin as in front. 3. T binders for perineum: a. Bring up, over perineum, the strip attached to back of straight band, which encircles the waist, to hold dressings in place. b. Pin to binder, in front. 4. Straight binder for chest: a. If for compression, place cotton be- tween and under breasts. b. After bringing breasts in proper posi- tion, away from axillae, pin tightly, beginning at centre of bandage, then pinning from the lower edge of bandage, to the upper edge. c. Pin straps over shoulders and darts under both breasts. d. Have pressure even. 194 NURSING TECHNIC TRIANGULAR BANDAGE AND SLINGS These are made of muslin, one yard square and doubled diagonally in the shape of a triangle. The diagonal line is known as the base and the corner opposite, the apex. A. To apply to injured forearm: i. Flex the arm in the desired position. 2. Carry the base of the triangular bandage from 2 to 3 inches beyond the median line, on the injured side of the body. 3. Support arm and hand by bringing the ends to the back of neck and tie, or fasten to cloth- ing with safety pin. a. Bring apex of triangle around elbow and fasten it back of the elbow. B. To apply, as a support, if arm is injured: i. Fold sling in shape of a cravat by bringing apex of triangle to its base and fold several times, until three inches wide; place wrist in centre of sling and fix the ends at back of neck. Pin it a few inches above the wrist, to the clothing. C. The triangular bandage, of different sizes, is also used to fix dressings on hand, foot or head. The base is laid under wrist or ankle, the apex brought over fingers or toes, the ends crossed and brought around, tied on the upper side. When used for the head, the centre of the base is placed opposite the injured part, the apex made to cover the dressings, the ends crossed and brought around, tied at centre of the base in a reef knot. POSITIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS 195 There is no part of the body where this triangular bandage cannot be used. •POSITIONS AND DRAPING FOR EXAMINATIONS A. Object: 1. To protect the patient during examination and treatment. 2. To aid in examining different parts of the body with comfort to the patient. B. General instructions: 1. Avoid all unnecessary exposure of any portion of the body to be examined or treated. 2. Protect a patient from other patients in a ward by the use of screens. 3. Have ready suitable basins, soap and clean towels for use of examining physician, before and after examination. C. Types: 1. Throat. 2. Chest. 3. Abdominal. 4. Ex- tremities. 5. Rectal. 6. Vaginal. 1. Throat: a. General instructions: 1. Have patient in position so that a strong light, at the examiner's back, can be thrown upon the throat of the patient. 2. If examiner uses head mirror, have light always in front, either natural or artificial. 3. When there is much coughing, the nurse or examiner may pro- tect the eyes with spectacles. NURSING TECHNIC b. Articles necessary: i. Tray containing: a. Towel. b. Tongue depressors or spoon.. c. Wooden applicators wound with absorbent cotton. d. Paper bag or basin for soiled depressors. e. If solution is ordered, have solution in medicine glass. c. Method: i. Place towel over patient's chest and shoulders. 2. Always hold the tongue depres- sor in the middle so that the fingers do not touch the portion which is to go into the patient's mouth. 3. After a tongue depressor has been used, it should never be placed on a chair, table or bed, but immediately in a paper bag or in a piece of paper and burned. 4. To hold a towel or napkin under the chin during a simple exam- ination of throat, tie a loose knot in one corner and insert in the neck of gown or dress. 5. To restrain a child during an ex- amination of the throat: POSITIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS 197 a. Fold backward one corner of a sheet and place this bias under the chin. Then wrap the sheet about the child so that the arms are restrained at the sides and seat the child on the lap so that the weight of the child holds the sheet in place. b. The child's head can be placed against the left shoulder of the nurse and her left hand hold it' in place. c. The nurse's feet crossed over the child's feet, completes the restraint. 2. Chest: a. General instructions: 1. Have room warm and free from draughts. 2. Have your hands warm. 3. In cold weather use blankets for protection of the patient during examination; in warm weather sheets may be used. 4. Always have patient turn face away from the side the doctor is examining. 5. Use auscultation towel, if doctor so desires, 198 NURSING TECHNIC b. Method: i. Up patient: c. Remove all clothing from upper part of body. b. Place sheet, folded shawl fashion, about shoulders, pinning it in front. c. Have patient sit on stool or chair, so that the front and back are accessible. d. If doctor examines front of chest, fold sheet back over shoulders; if back, the sheet is turned around, opening in back, and then folded over shoulders. 2. Bed patient: a. Always hold towel between patient's face and doctor's head. b. If patient is able to sit up, drape as for up patient. c. If not able to sit up, either remove gown and place a towel over chest, or roll hem of gown up, inside of gown, to the neck so that it does not interfere with the examination, and cover same with towel. d. To examine the back, turn patient on side most com- POSITIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS 199 fortable and roll gown up in same manner and cover body with towel. Abdominal: a. General instructions: 1. Have patient empty bladder just previous to examination. 2. Have patient lie straight in bed, on back, knees flexed to relax abdominal muscles. b. Method: 1. Turn all bedding back, except sheet, nearly to knees and cover patient with towels or blanket. 2. Fold sheet snugly and smoothly across pubes and groins. 3. Place towel over abdomen, at the same time drawing up gown and rolling it just above the waist line. 4. During the examination, the towel is removed from the abdomen. Lower extremities: a. Method: 1. Loosen bedding from foot of bed. 2. Fold spread and blanket upward. 3. Leave the sheet to use for pre- venting unnecessary exposure of extremities. 4. When both legs are being exam- ined, bring sheet between thighs. NURSING TECHNIC 5. When necessary to turn patient on side to examine thigh, pro- tect the patient with extra sheet or towel between thigh and over buttocks. 5. Rectal: a. General instructions: 1. Have rectum empty and clean, having given enema, if ordered. b. Method: 1. Place patient in dorsal, knee- chest, Sim's or dorsal-lithot- omy position, draping as for vaginal examination. 2. When necessary, have ready rec- tal speculum, with sterile oil or vaseline for lubrication, small cotton sponges, sterile rubber gloves and paper bag for waste. 6. Vaginal: a. General instructions: 1. Have towels, sheets, sterile gloves, instruments and lubri- cants prepared. 2. Have patient urinate just before examination. 3. Have rectum empty. 4. Have external parts scrupulously clean. 5. Have patient relax as much as possible, by taking a series of long, deep breaths. Fig. 30.—Detail of gynecological sheet used in the operating room. 202 NURSING TECHNIC 6. Protect the patient's sensibilities and sense of modesty by con- trol of speech and facial ex- pression. D. Positions: i. Dorsal: a. Patient flat on back, one pillow under head. b. Knees separated and slightly flexed. 2. Lithotomy: a. In bed: patient on back, across bed, but- tocks slightly beyond the edge of mat- tress, hips slightly elevated with pillows; knees flexed on abdomen and fastened in position by a strap or by a folded sheet, passing upward over one shoulder and down over the opposite, and pinned about flexed knees. b. On examining table: patient arranged the same except without the leg support; the feet are placed in stirrups on each side of table at foot of same. 3. Knee-chest or genu-pectoral: a. Place patient on examining table. b. Allow one small pillow, only, for head. c. Patient rests on chest and knees, knees slightly separated; face turned on side, resting on pillow ; thighs perpendicular; arms free on both sides. Watch pulse. 4. Sim's: a. Patient lies on left side; right knee flexed higher than left and drawn up nearly to POSITIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS 203 abdomen; left knee slightly flexed; left arm is drawn under the side to back; right arm free, in front. 5. Standing: a. Patient stands with knees separated about 10 inches, one foot on a low stool or rung of chair. 6. Trendelenburg: a. Patient lies on back, on examining table, thighs elevated on incline plane, 45 de- grees, legs, from knees down, on other side of plane from thighs. b. To prevent patient from slipping, shoulder supports are used. c. Be careful, when lowering table, to watch the position of arms, hands, and skin of patient that they are not caught between the upper part and frame of table. E. Draping for dorsal and knee-chest positions: 1. Loosen clothing and tuck back, out of the way. 2. Place draping sheet diagonally over patient. 3. Flex knees and keep them well separated. Twist the opposite corners about each foot and fasten on the outside. 4. Place a folded towel under buttocks. F. Draping for other positions: 1. Sim's: cover patient with draping sheet, hav- ing prepared the clothing and placed a towel under buttocks. 2. Standing: drape sheet about body, after having the clothes out of the way, with the open side of the sheet convenient for the examiner. 204 NURSING TECHNIC APPLICATION OF HOT DRESSINGS A. Object: I. To produce hyperemia. 2. To promote suppuration. 3. To soften necrotic tissues and aid in their removal. 4. To relieve pain. B. General instructions: 1. Keep dressings hot. 2. Apply as hot as can be comfortably borne. 3. Avoid burning patient. 4. If affected area becomes reddened by continu- ous application, anoint with vaseline. C. Articles necessary: 1. Dressings, made of cotton and gauze. 2. Stupe wringer. 3. Basin. 4. Parchment paper, moistened. 5. Cotton. 6. Roller, triangular or many-tailed bandage. 7. Paper bag, for waste. D. Method: 1. Place dressings in stupe-wringer and bring to boiling point, in basin of boric solution. (Boric acid, 1 ounce, to water, 1 quart.) 2. Wring the dressings dry, while in the stupe- wringer. 3. Carry the stupe-wringer, with enclosed dress- ings, in a basin to the bedside. 4. Remove soiled dressings, putting them in bag. 5. Remove dressings from wringer, shake out once and apply to the affected area. EXTERNAL DOUCHE 205 6. Cover with moistened parchment paper, cotton and apply bandage. 7. Change every two hours, unless otherwise ordered. 8. A hot water bag may often be used close to the dressings, to keep them hot for a longer period of time. An electric light bulb, on an extension cord, may be held a little dis- tance from small dressings, to keep them warm. An electric light bulb should never be left closely covered, as it then becomes a likely cause of fire. EXTERNAL DOUCHE A. Object: 1. To cleanse parts. B. General instructions: 1. Avoid scalding patient. 2. Use aseptic technic. C. Articles necessary: 1. Pitcher of sterile solution, covered with a sterile towel, enclosing one sterile pad and seven sterile sponges. 2. Douche pan, paper bag. D. Method: 1. Prepare patient the same as for vaginal douche. 2. Wrap thumb and forefinger with sponges. 3. Separate labia and pour solution over parts, slowly and with force. Hold pitcher 18 inches above patient. 4. Remove douche pan, dry, re-adjust dressing and binder. 206 NURSING TECHNIC VAGINAL DOUCHE A. Object: i. To cleanse vagina. 2. To arrest local hemorrhage. 3. To relieve inflammation. B. Time: 1. When ordered by the doctor. C. Types: 1. Cleansing and stimulating. Solutions usually ordered: a. Sterile water, temperature 105 degrees F.; quantity, 2 quarts. b. Normal salt solution. c. Lysol solution, y2 per cent. d. Iodine solution: dram 1 to water 2 quarts. e. Potassium permanganate solution, made by putting the crystals in gauze and let- ting them dissolve in water until it is the color of royal purple. f. Bichloride of mercury, 1 to 4000, followed by sterile water. 2. Reducing inflammation and arresting hemor- rhage. a. Salt solution. b. Sterile water, temperature no to 120 de- grees F.; quantity, 2 quarts. D. General instructions: 1. Have the solution prepared in the exact strength and temperature ordered. 2. Avoid burning the patient when giving hot douches by allowing the solution to run VAGINAL DOUCHE 207 more slowly and with less force than when giving the usual douche. 3. Do not allow air to be injected into the vagina with the flow of the solution. 4. Do not give douche, if patient is menstruat- ing, unless ordered by the doctor. 5. Have the douche pan warmed or place a cover over the pan on which the patient's buttocks rest. 6. Examine douche nozzle and know that it is not rough, cracked or broken. 7. Always give a douche to patient while in a recumbent position; never when in a sitting position. 8. Have douche can elevated not more than two feet above the patient, so that the solution will not run with too great a force. 9. For infectious cases, elevate the can just enough to allow the solution to flow; protect self by wearing rubber gloves. 10. Have patient remain quiet one hour after giving douche. n. Always sterilize all articles, except thermom- eter, by boiling. 12. Always disinfect hands before and after giv- ing douches. E. Articles necessary: 1. Graduate measure. 2. Thermometer, disinfected with carbolic, 5 per cent., and alcohol, 50 per cent., and rinsed with sterile water. 3. Blanket. 208 NURSING TECHNIC 4. Douche pan. 5. Tray with: a. Sterile towel in which is wrapped two glass douche points, sterilized by boiling five minutes, and nine sterile sponges. b. Paper bag. c. Douche can, covered, containing solution as ordered. F. Method: 1. Place screens about bed. 2. Pin paper bag to bed 3. Fold all covers, except sheet, down half-way over foot of bed. Cover chest with blanket and drape. 4. Place douche pan under patient. 5. Cleanse external genitals with sponges. 6. Attach nozzle to tubing. 7. Wrap thumb and forefinger of left hand with sponges. 8. Separate and hold external labia apart with wrapped fingers and let solution run through tubing until it is warm and allow a small amount to flow over the exposed parts. 9. Control the flow by pinching the tubing and insert douche point, gently, into vagina, pointing it downward and backward, not allowing it to touch the external parts. 10. Remove the nozzle from the vagina before the solution has all been used; allow the balance of the solution to drain into the douche pan; remove nozzle from tubing, wrap in paper and place in receptacle used for soiled points. CATHETERIZATION 209 n. All solution should drain from vagina before removing douche pan, the parts dried. 12. If there are perineal stitches, dry with sterile sponges, being careful not to pull or irritate them. G. Care of articles: 1. Clean douche pan and tubing. 2. Douche cans are sterilized each night; between times, the inside must be kept sterile. 3. Leave stop-cock open. 4. Cleanse and boil nozzle. H. Record: 1. Hour given; kind and strength of solution used. 2. Character of return flow. CATHETERIZATION A. Object: 1. To remove urine from the bladder B. Time: 1. When ordered by the doctor. C. General instructions: 1. Avoid catheterizing, if patient can be induced to urinate, unless definitely ordered. Try the following ways: a. Allow water to run from a faucet within hearing of patient. b. Pour, gently, warm water over the vulva. c. Have hot water in the bed pan. d. By partially sitting up, if allowable. e. By allowing patient to dabble hands in hot water. 14 210 NURSING TECHNIC f. Apply hot water bag over bladder. g. Allow a slight whiff of ammonia. 2. Never catheterize without written orders. 3. Use aseptic technic. 4. Never use force when inserting a catheter. 5. If bladder is greatly distended, draw no more than one pint of urine at one time, to avoid danger of collapse of bladder wall. 6. Never catheterize a delirious or a pregnant pa- tient with a glass catheter; use a rubber catheter. 7. Always inspect a glass catheter and know that it is not rough, cracked or broken. 8. Always use screens and drape. D Articles necessary: 1. Tray on which are: a. One sterile towel in which are wrapped nine dry sterile sponges. b. Two sterile glass or rubber catheters, as necessary. c. Basin containing warm boric acid solu- tion, 2 per cent. d. Paper bag. e. Douche pan or sterile kidney basin. /. Rubber gloves for infectious cases. g. For specimen, have ready a sterile bottle and sterile tubing attached to catheter. E. Method: 1. Place screens about bed. 2. Place patient in dorsal recumbent position and drape. CATHETERIZATION 211 3. Place bedside table at the foot of bed, right side. 4. Pin paper bag on bed, within reach. 5. Disinfect hands. 6. Place towel over hips. 7. Cleanse external genitals with boric solution and sponges. 8. Wrap thumb and finger of left hand with sponges. 9. Separate and hold external labia apart with wrapped fingers. 10. Cleanse surface with sponges, wiping down- ward and using each sponge but once. n. Cleanse internal labia in same manner. 12. Wipe meatus with clean sponge and place a second clean sponge just below the meatus. 13. Inspect and then insert catheter, without force, directly into meatus, asking patient, at this time, to breathe deeply, as an aid in inserting the catheter. 14. In case the catheter touches any unsterile sur- face, use another catheter. 15. If necessary, gentle pressure with hand, over bladder, may assist in the urine being expelled. 16. When removing, in order to retain the urine in the catheter, close the open end of a glass catheter or pinch a rubber catheter with the fingers. 17. Cleanse parts with boric solution, dry and leave patient in a comfortable condition. 18. Measure the urine, or if a specimen is to be 212 NURSING TECHNIC retained, estimate the amount retained for same. 19. Wash and boil the catheters. F. Record: 1. Hour: amount of urine in urine column, in- dicating " per cath." In remarks column, note character of urine; if there is blood, pus or a sediment, note whether it is mixed with the urine or whether at the beginning or end of the flow. VESICAL DOUCHE A. Object: 1. To cleanse bladder. B. Time: 1. When ordered by doctor. C. General instructions: 1. Same as for catheterization. 2. Do not over-distend bladder with cleansing solution. D. Articles necessary: 1. As for catheterization and sterile glass funnel with six-inch rubber tubing attached. 2. Sterile boric acid solution or normal salt solu- tion, 105 degrees F. E. Method: 1. Catheterize patient and without withdrawing catheter, attach rubber tubing with funnel, to same. 2. Pour in solution, slowly, six to eight ounces, without injecting air. IRRIGATION OF THE EYE 213 3. Invert funnel, before it is empty, and siphon two-thirds of the amount given. 4. Pour in four to five ounces and siphon. 5. Repeat until solution returns clear, using from twelve to sixteen ounces. IRRIGATION OF EYE A. Object: 1. Cleanliness. 2. Control of infection. B. General instructions: 1. In cases where there is a copious discharge, the nurse- should protect herself by wearing gown, rubber gloves, and in some cases the eyes may be protected by the use of eye- glasses. 2. If patient is able, irrigation should be done in dressing-room. If patient is unable to go to dressing-room, prepare for bedside care. 3. Always use glass irrigator and irrigating points unless medicine droppers are specified. 4. If only one eye is to be treated, protect the other eye by use of pad or dressing. If both eyes are to be treated, a sterile point should be used for each eye and the hands of the nurse cleansed before any procedure, between the care of the eyes and after the care. 5. Always direct the stream from the inner toward the outer canthus of the eye and dry with cot- ton, wiping in the same direction. 6. Never use force in opening the eyelids or allow the stream of solution to flow from a height more than eight inches above the patient. Fig. 31.—Pocket formed by holding lower lid for the eye drop. IRRIGATION OF THE EYE 215 C. Articles necessary: 1. Glass irrigator. 2. Sterile irrigating points. 3. Rubber sheet, Kelly pad or kidney basin. 4. Solution as ordered. 5. Receptacle for waste, when Kelly pad or rub- ber sheet is used. D. Method: 1. For bedside care, protect pillow. 2. Place head so that injured eye is near edge of bed. 3. Irrigate the lids until the lids can be opened without force and continue irrigation until clean, holding the lids apart. Dry. 4. Thoroughly cleanse and sterilize utensils and put in place. E. Application of medicine to eye: 1. In using unguentum, apply with usual sterile applicator. 2. In using solutions : grasp lower lid with thumb and index-finger and pull lid away from eye- ball gently. Drop solution into this triangular pocket and have patient close eyelids. 3. To evert the lower lid, place thumb near mar- gin, press it downward, while patient looks upward. To evert upper lid, hold lashes with thumb and index-finger of right hand, draw lid downward, having patient look down- ward ; place a thin pencil, tooth-pick, hat-pin, horizontally across it and turn the lid back over implement. 216 NURSING TECHNIC AURAL IRRIGATION A. Solutions usually ordered: i. Weak soda bicarbonate. 2. Normal salt. 3. Boric acid, 3 per cent. B. General instructions: 1. Never put anything cold in the ears. 2. Never put a pointed instrument into the ears. 3. Avoid pressure. 4. Report pain or dizziness. 5. Temperature of solution, 105 degrees F. for cleansing; no degrees F. to relieve pain or inflammation. C. Articles necessary: 1. Irrigator and tubing, 1 point. 2. Kidney basin. 3. Cotton pledgets. Gauze pledgets. 4. Towel and rubber sheet or papers D. Method: 1. Patient may lie down or be seated as com- fortable. 2. Protect pillow with rubber sheet and towel, if patient is on bed. 3. Place kidney basin and have patient hold same in place. 4. Irrigate ear gently, at low pressure, merely for external cleanliness; irrigator not more than one foot above patient. 5. Dry the ear with pledgets. 6. Irrigate gently, again, and dry the auditory canal with pledgets. While irrigating, make the canal as straight as ppssible by holding of MOUTH AND THROAT IRRIGATION 217 a child's ear downward and backward and that of an adult upward and backward. 7. Use medication, as ordered. 8. Insert small pointed pledgets of gauze. E. For earache: 1. Irrigate frequently with warm soda bicar- bonate solution. 2. Instil 5 per cent, carbolic and glycerine. 3. Insert, loosely, absorbent cotton. 4. Apply external heat. 5. If pain is located in the mastoid region, apply cold, never heat, without a special order from the doctor. MOUTH AND THROAT IRRIGATION A. Articles necessary: 1. Irrigator. 2. Tubing, with or without point. 3. Tongue depressor. 4. Basin. 5. Table. 6. Sheet. B. Solutions usually ordered. Temperature 105 to 118 degrees F.: 1. Peroxide of hydrogen, 25 per cent. 2. Potassium permanganate, pale wine color. 3. Normal salt. 4. Sodium bicarbonate, one dram to one quart of water. 5. Boric acid, 2 per cent. 6. Antiseptic, 25 per cent. 7. Iron and potassium chlorate, 25 per cent. 8. Dobell's, 50 per cent. 218 NURSING TECHNIC C. Method: i. Pin sheet about child and place on table, face downward. 2. Protect head with left hand, over hopper or basin. 3. Insert tubing in mouth with right hand. Irri- gate. 4. Cleanse face and dry. NASAL IRRIGATION A. General instructions: 1. Have irrigator only from three to eight inches above patient, to prevent washing the dis- charge into Eustachian tube. 2. Instruct patient to breathe through the mouth only. 3. Do not allow patient to blow the nose while filled with solution nor attempt to swallow. 4. Do not place a glass tube in nostril. B. Articles necessary: 1. Same as for aural irrigation. C. Solutions usually used: 1. Normal salt. 2. Boric acid. 3. Sodium bicarbonate. D. Method: 1. Pin sheet about child and place on table, face downward. 2. Irrigate the nose gently. 3. Cleanse with pledgets. 4. Application or insufflation of calomel powder. COLD COMPRESSES FOR THE EYE 219 HOT DRESSINGS FOR THE EYE A. Articles necessary: 1. Alcohol lamp. 2. Small basin of boiling water. 3. Sterile towel. 4. Gauze in circular pieces, size of eye. 5. Forceps. 6. Kidney basin or paper bag for waste. B. Method: 1. Place gauze in boiling water. 2. Remove gauze with forceps. 3. Place between the folds of towel to partially dry. 4. Remove soiled dressing and place hot dressing. 5. Do not use gauze more than once if there is a discharge from the eye. 6. In cases where the heat and moisture are re- quired, an electric light bulb may be used to keep the dressings hot, by placing the lighted bulb near the dressings and supported. COLD COMPRESSES FOR THE EYE A. Articles necessary: 1. Gauze, cut circular, a little larger than the area. 2. Ice in basin and supported, for drainage, and covered. 3. Forceps. 4. Paper bag. B. Method: 1. Place several pledgets of moistened gauze on the ice. 2. Pin paper bag to head of mattress. 220 NURSING TECHNIC 3. Change compresses every two minutes. 4. If any discharge, do not use the compress but once. 5. Do not allow the compress to cover bridge of nose. 6. When available, a partially filled, small ice bag can be placed over the moistened gauze. HYPODERMOCLYSIS A. Object: 1. To replace lost blood after hemorrhage. 2. To stimulate the heart's action. 3. To assist in eliminating toxic materials. 4. To fill the blood-vessels and maintain the blood-pressure. B. General instructions: 1. Take pulse before and after treatment and record. 2. Use aseptic precautions. 3. Expel air from tubing before inserting needle. 4. Do not allow the solution which is to be used to become cold. 5. Know exact amount being given to patient. 6. Usually not more than one pint of solution is introduced in one place. C. Articles necessary: 1. Always have ready in box, marked "Trans- fusion set ": a. Two sterile brushes. b. Two sterile towels. c. Two dozen sterile applicators. d: Two aspirating needles with wires. FlG. 32.—Paraffin treatment of burns. 222 NURSING TECHNIC c. One bag with two sterile dressings, two sterile collodion dressings, and four small sponges. /. Two sterile towels containing: In first, one sterile pint graduate glass. In second, one sterile irrigating can. Tubing to be sterilized by boiling with needle at the time of use. g. Bottle with bichloride of mercury solu- tion, i to iooo. h. Alcohol, 50 per cent. 2. At time of giving: a. Green soap and sterile water. b. Thermometer, disinfected. c. Salt solution, sterile, one quart, 120 de- grees F. in sterile graduate. d. Salt solution, sterile, one quart, 114 to 120 degrees F. in irrigating can. e. Paper bag. /. Tincture of iodine. PHLEBOTOMY OR VENESECTION A. Object: 1. To relieve arterial or venous engorgement. 2. To relieve congestion or edema of the lungs. 3. To remove toxic material. B. General instructions: 1. Have everything sterile. 2. Take and record pulse before and after treat- ment. C. Articles necessary: 1. Instruments which should be boiled or car- bolized. INTRAVENOUS INFUSION 223 2. Rubber tourniquet. 3. Rubber sheet. 4. Four sterile towels. 5. Two or three sterile dressings. 6. Bandage. 7. Collodion. 8. Green soap and sterile water. 9. Alcohol, 50 per cent. 10. Bichloride of mercury solution, 1 to 1000, or tincture of iodine. n. Sterile glass graduate. D. Method: 1. Cleanse the skin of the arm between the middle of the arm and middle of the fore- arm with green soap and water. 2. Place rubber under patient's arm which is covered with sterile towel. 3. Apply alcohol. 4. Apply bichloride of mercury or tincture of iodine as ordered. 5. Tourniquet is applied by the doctor. 6. Cover tourniquet with sterile towel and place another sterile towel similarly around fore- arm just below elbow. 7. Have sterile graduate glass ready. 8. After required amount of blood has been drawn, apply collodion dressing and bandage. INTRAVENOUS INFUSION A. Object: 1. As for hypodermoclysis. The action of sa- line by this method is quicker than by hypodermoclysis. 224 NURSING TECHNIC B. General instructions: i. Same as for hypodermoclysis. 2. An extra precaution in expelling the air is necessary, as entrance of air into a vein may cause death. C. Articles necessary: i. As for hypodermoclysis, and 2. Rubber sheet. 3. Bandage. 4. Tourniquet. 5. Instruments which should be boiled or car- bolized. D. Method: 1. Skin prepared as usual. 2. Doctor applies the tourniquet. 3. Doctor inserts cannula in vein. 4. Solution to be kept warm and amount noted. 5. Tourniquet removed. 6. Wound covered with collodion dressing and bandage applied. CHAPTER VII SPECIMENS PREPARATION OF SPECIMEN BOTTLES A. Object: i. To have ready, sterile receptacles for speci- mens. 2. To prevent the contamination of the specimen. B. General instructions: i. Use no cracked receptacle. 2. Secure the right kind of receptacle for each kind of specimen. 3. Avoid cracking bottles. Heated bottles are readily cracked by placing them in cold water or in a draught, and cold bottles are readily cracked by placing them in hot water or in a heated place. 4. Stopples must be fitted tightly. C. Types: 1. Urine specimens: a. A.M., six- to eight-ounce bottle. b. Twenty-four-hour, two- to four-quart bottle. 2. Sputum: a. Small, wide mouth bottle. b. Paper sputum cup. 3. Stomach contents: a. Wide mouth bottle, one pint. b. Emesis basin, well covered. is 22s 226 NURSING TECHNIC 4. Feces. a. Wide mouth bottle, one pint. b. Paper sputum cup. D. Method: 1. To boil bottles: put hot water in the receptacle in which the bottles are to be boiled and allow it to come to the boiling point. Meanwhile, rinse the bottles to be used with cold water; wash with warm soap-suds, using a bottle brush, shot, tacks or wet toilet paper torn into small bits with scouring soap ; rinse with hot water several times. Fill each bottle with hot water; place in boiler with open ends in same direction; have sufficient water in boiler to cover bottles and cover receptacle ; boil ten minutes, empty and plug mouth of bottle with non-absorbent cotton, sterilized cork or with oiled paper and elastic. SPECIMENS A. Object: 1. To aid in diagnosing diseases. B. General directions: 1. Avoid outside contamination by sterilizing all receptacles. 2. Have quantity sufficient for examination. 3. Note on history chart the hour and kind of specimen obtained. Always label the recep- tacle containing the specimen. Do not fail to send the specimen to the laboratory. SPECIMENS 227 C. Types and method of obtaining: 1. Urine: a. A.M. specimen from all new patients. b. Patients going to operation. c. By special order of doctor. d. Urine may be collected by voiding and by catheterization. e. For ordinary specimens note on label: Ward. Date. Hour. Patient's name and bed number. Kind of specimen. Junior doctor's name. /. Twenty-four-hour specimen: Note the time the specimen is to be started. Have the patient void urine and do not save this amount. Always begin the collection with an empty bladder. Collect all the urine voided in twenty- four hours. Have the patient urinate at the end of the twenty-four hours and add it to the urine collected and stopple. Send entire specimen to laboratory. Note on label: Ward. Date. Patient's name and bed number. Hour of starting and closing the col- lection. As: Started 3.45 A.M., 7/2o/'i8. Closed 3.45 A.M., 7/2i/'i8. lunior doctor's name. 228 NURSING TECHNIC 2. Sputum: a. Save A.M. specimen. b. Have patient expectorate directly into bottle and stopple. c. Clean outside of bottle with disinfectant. d. Follow general instructions. 3. Stomach contents: a. Obtain by saving vomitus or remove con- tents by aspirating. b. Use a wide mouth bottle for specimen. c. Clean outside of bottle with disinfectant. d. Follow general instructions. 4. Feces: a. Transfer defecation from bed pan to wide mouth bottle and cover securely. b. Clean outside of bottle with disinfectant. c. Follow general instructions. VAGINAL SMEARS A. Articles necessary: 1. Two glass slides and cover glasses. 2. Applicators. 3. Labels. 4. Sponges. B. Method: 1. Cleanse glass slides with alcohol and dry. 2. Separate vulva with thumb and index finger of left hand. 3. Insert applicator well into vagina. 4. Remove, rub over glass slide. 5. Prepare two slides; when specimen is dry, place the slides face to face, enclose in sponge and send to laboratory. THROAT CULTURES 229 6. Label with name of patient, date, number of ward, number of bed, and state " vaginal smear." THROAT CULTURES A. Articles necessary: 1. Sterile applicators. 2. Culture tubes. 3. Tongue depressor. B. Method: 1. Have patient cleanse mouth with normal salt solution. 2. Have patient open mouth, using tongue de- pressor when necessary, and in such light as the throat is readily seen. 3. Insert applicator well up under the edge of the membrane. 4. Remove the cotton plug from culture tube, being careful that it does not become con- taminated. 5. Hold the tube in a slanting position. 6. Insert swab, rub it gently over the surface of the medium, from the bottom of the tube, upwards and do not break the surface. 7. Place swab and tongue depressor in paper bag and burn. 8. Label the tube with number of ward, number of bed, name of patient, date and junior interne's name. CHAPTER VIII EMERGENCIES ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION A. Object: I. To promote mechanical respiration when nor- mal respiration has ceased, due to certain causes, such as mechanical obstructions in esophagus, convulsive spasms when cough- ing, after inhalation of gases, during admin- istration of ether, drowning. B. General instructions: I. Begin artificial respiration as soon as the need arises. 2. Continue the movements rhythmically, and for at least two hours, unless respiration is restored before that time. 3. Draw tongue forward and hold it, and if no assistance is at hand, tie a handkerchief or string around it, cross ends, pass them around back of neck and tie there. 4. If patient vomits, keep head turned to one side 5. Do not hurry movements; ten or twelve arti- ficial respirations per minute are sufficient. C. Methods: 1. Sylvester's: a. Place patient on back, with thick pad between shoulder blades. b. Stand or kneel at head of patient. c. Grasp forearm above the wrist, thumbs in, ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION 231 draw arms slowly outward at right angles and upward until the hands meet above the head, causing the act of inspiration. d. Hold hands and arms in this position three or four seconds and then flex them slowly but forcibly, for three seconds against sides of chest, causing expiration. e. Repeat. 2. Schaefer's: a. Turn patient on face and abdomen. b. In case of drowning or lungs filled with water, hold the patient by the hips, bring- ing them up to knee height of operator, and clinching the body of the patient between the knees, holding it there a few minutes, for the gravitation of the water. Lower body. c. See that the tongue is free and the mouth is not clogged and nostrils clear. d. Turn head to one side and support it by patient's arm being flexed underneath the same. e. Kneel by side of patient. f. Spread palms of hands and fingers, with thumbs parallel, at base of scapulae. g. With a quick forward movement of the body, press the side of the chest walls quickly, using the weight from the shoulder and not from the arm. This expels the air from the chest. h. Count five, slowly and rhythmically, and again press forward the body, making 232 NURSING TECHNIC pressure upon the side walls and back of the chest. i. Continue until respiration becomes normal. SYNCOPE A. Symptoms: i. Pale face. Cold perspiration on forehead. 2. Patient complains of feeling dizzy. 3. Complete or partial unconsciousness. 4. Pupils even and natural size. 5. Respiration shallow and sighing. 6. Pulse weak and rapid. B. Treatment: 1. Recumbent position or head lower than body or legs elevated. 2. Loosen clothing, especially about neck. 3. Keep people from crowding about patient, thus shutting out air supply. 4. Give simple hot or cold drinks. 5. Keep patient quiet, after attack. CONVULSIONS A. Symptoms: 1. Restlessness, fretting, gritting of teeth. 2. Twitching of muscles, jerky movements, stif- fening of body, head pulled backward. 3. Eyes rolled upward. 4. Pulse rapid and weak. 5. Respiration labored. 6. Skin cold and sweaty. 7. Pupils even and natural size. 8. After attack, patients may seem to rest. HEMORRHAGE 233 B. Treatment: 1. Guard patient that he may not be injured, but do not restrain. 2. Prevent biting tongue by placing spoon or tongue depressor between teeth. 3. Loosen clothing. 4. Call doctor. 5. Note and record duration of convulsion, char- acter, parts of body affected and prodromal symptoms. HEMORRHAGE A. Types: 1. Arterial: external wound, bleeding in spurts, synchronous with heart beat. 2. Venous: external wound, blood wells up, no definite relation between the bleeding and the heart beat. 3. Capillary: external wound, general oozing. B. Symptoms. External wound: 1. Appearance of blood. 2. Subjective symptoms: faintness, weakness, restlessness, thirst. 3. Skin pale, cold, sweaty. 4. Pulse becomes rapid and weak. 5. Respiration becomes rapid, shallow and patient becomes air hungry. C. Treatment: 1. Arterial: send for doctor; recumbent position with elevation of part of body from which there is the hemorrhage. Control by hand 234 NURSING TECHNIC pressure or finger pressure or tourniquet. Assist with dressings. 2. Venous: send for doctor; apply pressure; elevate. Assist with dressings. 3. Capillary: report to doctor; slight pressure; elevation. Assist with dressings. ISOLATING PATIENTS A. To isolate a contagious suspect: 1. Remove patient from the general ward. 2. Assign one or more nurses to the care of the patient. 3. Separate bed utensils, basins, dishes, rubber sheets, blankets, etc., and care for the same in accordance with the orders in care of communicable diseases. 4. Every contagious case must be reported to the Health Department as soon as fully diag- nosed. CRAMP IN THE BACK OF LEG 1. When possible, have the patient lie on the back, elevate the leg so that it is at right angles with the body. Forcibly point toes toward body. Massage gastrocnemius muscle. 2. When the patient is unable to assume the above position, give deep massage to gas- trocnemius muscle. SINGULTUS 1. Encourage deep, rhythmical breathing. 2. Cause sneezing by tickling the nose. FOREIGN BODY IN EYE—SPLINTERS 235 3. Grasp tongue with clean towel and pull it for- ward when the sensation of hiccough is felt. 4. Cause pressure on frontal sinuses. 5. Hot water bag or mustard plaster to epigas- trium. 6. Give a teaspoonful of lemon juice, heavy with salt. FOREIGN BODY IN EYE 1. Do not allow the patient to rub the injured eye. 2. Have the patient grasp the lashes, draw the lid away from the eyeball and downward, over the lower lid, holding it there for a few seconds. 3. Keep the eye closed and blow the nose hard, on the injured side, closing the opposite nostril. 4. When these simple measures fail to dislodge the object, evert the upper lid and inspect it in a good light. Never remove a speck from the eyeball or lid, with any soiled article. An eye-glass containing warm boric acid solution, may be used to irrigate the eyeball. 5. If there is no relief within a half hour, see an oculist. SPLINTERS 1. When splinters are under the nails, it may be necessary to cut away a part of the nail above the protruding end of the splinter, in order to catch hold of it. Hold the flesh or nail 236 NURSING TECHNIC firmly and remove splinter with tweezers or forceps, or by threading it in the eye of a needle, turning the needle so as to bind it. Remove quickly and apply alcohol or tincture of iodine. HEAT STROKE A. Symptoms: i. Giddiness and pain in head. 2. Coma. Face flushed. Skin, hot and dry. 3. Pupils dilated. 4. Dyspnea or sighing respiration. B. Treatment: 1. Get patient into a cool place. Send for a doctor. 2. Elevate head. 3. Loosen clothing. 4. Ice or cold to head. 5. Hose or dash cold water on body or give cold tubbing, using constant friction on skin. POISON CASES 1. Send for a doctor. 2. Protect patient from injury. 3. Save all articles, marks on clothing or skin, which may lead to the identification of poison taken. 4. In case the poison taken is known, have anti- dote ready by the time the doctor arrives. 5. Gas poison cases easily develop pressure sores and are readily burned by the application of heat. CARE OF THE DEAD 237 CARE OF THE DEAD A. Object: 1. To have the body straight, clean and in proper condition for the morgue. B. General instructions: 1. Lay out the body as soon as the doctor has pronounced the patient dead, as the muscles soon become stiffened. 2. Remove all but two pillows to prevent the blood settling in the head. 3. Straighten the covers and cover the face with the sheet. 4. See that the body is clean, especially hair and nails. 5. Do not expose the body unnecessarily. 6. When patient is in a dying condition, report, in day service, to head-nurse, who notifies the doctor, relatives, minister or priest. In night service, report to night superintendent. C. Articles necessary: 1. Supply basket containing: a. Paper bag; toilet paper. b. Large and small stick, for packing. c. Non-absorbent cotton. d. Bandages, roller and four-tailed. e. Soap, wash cloth, towels. /. Scissors, comb. g. Two sheets. h. Morgue sheet, pins. 2. Basin of warm carbolic solution, 2^ per cent., or formaldehyde solution, 2 per cent. 3. Laundry bag. 238 NURSING TECHNIC D. Method: i. Remove all covers, except sheet and gown. 2. Bathe body with carbolic or formaldehyde solution. 3. Comb hair. 4. Close eyes by placing a very small piece of tissue paper or cotton under upper lid. 5. Pack mouth and nose with a small amount of cotton. 6. Fasten jaw in place with four-tailed bandage and a rolled towel may be placed under the chin in difficult cases. 7. Pack the vagina well with cotton and place a large piece of cotton over genitals. 8. If a surgical case with open wound, place cotton pad over wound, strap in place with wide strip of adhesive while the body is still warm. 9. Turn the body on side, bathe back, pack rectum well, remove under and draw sheets. Allow the rubber sheet to remain over mattress, adjust clean bottom sheet and morgue sheet. Place a large piece of cotton under buttocks. 10. Cross hands over chest and tie wrists with wide bandage. 11. Place cotton between knees and ankles and tie with a wide bandage. 12. Bring morgue sheet down over head and pin with a safety pin. 13. Fold morgue sheet smoothly around legs, hips and trunk. CARE OF THE DEAD 239 14. Pin down the front and sides, with as few pins as necessary to hold the sheet in place. 15. Place clean sheet over body. 16. Fill out one death notice and pin it on the chest, just below the head, pins pointed to centre. 17. Fill out second death notice, to be sent to receiving office, in envelope. 18. Fill out third death notice to be attached to yellow slip signed by doctor. 19. All contagious cases, including epidemic forms of meningitis, are wrapped in oil sheet be- fore morgue sheet is wrapped about body. The receiving office is notified to take body to contagious morgue. E. Record: 1. Hour of death. 2. Anything unusual connected with the death. CHAPTER IX GENERAL TOPICS i. The supervisor of a department is responsible for the general management of the ward, in accord- ance with the rules of the hospital and the training school for nurses; and is responsible for the prac- tical instruction and technic of the student nurses. 2. Head-nurses are responsible to the supervisor of the department for the management of the wards. 3. Any notices sent to the wards by the hospital ad- ministration are to be bulletined, carried out, and the superintendent of the training school to re- ceive a copy of the same, at once. 4. In case a patient's discharge has been written and the patient may need nursing care after leaving the hospital, the supervisor will report the same to the head of the social service department, prior to the discharge of said patient. 5. In case of accident to any patient, a detailed report of the same must be written, signed by the super- visor and head-nurse and sent to the superin- tendent of the training school, at once. 6. A " serious condition" notice is to be sent out through the receiving office by the supervisor or head-nurse. When a student nurse is in charge of a ward, this notice must be sent out through a supervisor. In all instances, this notice must be dated, timed, made out at once on back of first 240 GENERAL TOPICS 241 sheet of the doctor's record on chart and signed. 7. Requisitions for supplies are to be made only through the assistant in charge of the supplies. 8. Hospital telephone service is for the business of the institution only. No member of the nursing ser- vice is to use the telephone for individual pur- poses or to allow the patients to use the telephone. Student nurses, orderlies or attendants may take telephone messages from the patients and report same to the supervisor or head-nurse, who will transmit the same. 9. Requisitions for diets from the diet kitchen must be ready by 9 A.M. daily for collection. Orders are to be written and signed by the supervisor. Head-nurses must, daily, verify the corrected lists of special orders sent from the diet kitchen and must see that this special food is not allowed to collect or waste. All special orders are to be promptly given out to those for whom it is in- tended, the diet kitchen dishes collected, returned to the diet kitchen and never used in the wards for any purpose other than in the care of foods. 10. The priest should be called for the Catholic pa- tients at the time when the " serious condition " notice is sent, unless the record shows that he has already been called. II. Every student nurse in the ward is held responsible for the following duties: a. The general order of the ward. b. The ventilation of the ward. c. The immediate attention of the patient's necessities. 16 242 NURSING TECHNIC d. To see that all food, drink, and medicines are promptly and properly served and kept from all contamination. e. To see that accurate records are made promptly. /. To report to the head-nurse, at once, any unusual condition of a patient, any mistakes in treatment or medicine or other irregu- larities. 12. All nurses on duty are responsible for the collec- tion of passes from visitors admitted to the wards at any time; no more than three visitors shall be permitted to visit any one patient at one time. Passes issued outside of visiting hours are good for five minutes only, except when the patient is in a serious condition. The visiting hours are as follows: Tuesday 2-3 P.M. 7-8 P.M. Thursday 2-3 P.M. 7-8 P.M. Saturday ......... 7-8 P.M. Sunday 2-4 P.M.......... 13. No women patients are permitted to go through corridors or to the X-ray department except when attended by a student nurse, attendant, or orderly. 14. When patient's clothes or valuables are taken home by relatives or friends, the same must be signed for by them and the nurse, in the ward clothes book. In case of death or irresponsibility from any cause, the nurses are responsible for any valuables retained by the patient and must follow the rules for the care of valuables. ADMISSION OF PATIENTS 243 15. In emergencies, restraints may be used at the dis- cretion of the nurse. Other than times of emer- gency, the nurses may not apply or remove restraints from patients without a written order from the doctor. 16. Patients are not allowed to have or to keep razors, knives or any sharp instruments. 17. Patients are not allowed to loiter in the corridors or to leave their wards without a permit from the head-nurse. 18. Attendants and orderlies are forbidden to wear gowns through the main corridors without a permit from the head-nurse. 19. Fire: When a fire alarm is sounded in the hos- pital it also sounds in the nurses' home. An immediate response to a fire alarm is required of every person in the nursing service. Learn the number on the boxes in connection with each ward. ADMISSION OF PATIENTS INTO COOK COUNTY HOSPITAL 1. Patients who are brought into the hospital by the police go directly into the examining room. Others pass into the waiting room, where the county investigator takes the financial history. 2. Police cases take precedence. When a police case goes to the examining room, the investigator must be notified, as no card of admission can go through the receiving office without the OK from the investigator. 3. In selecting patients from the waiting room, the 244 NURSING TECHNIC one who is apparently the sickest is given the preference. 4. On entering the examining room, the temperature of every patient is taken. 5. Any patient who is to have a chest or abdominal examination made is assigned to a booth where preparation is made for the examining table. 6. The nurse is always present during the examina- tion. 7. When the patient has been examined and admitted to the hospital, the assignment to the ward is made. A history card is filled out by the nurse and signed by the doctor. Care must be taken that the name and address are correct. This card is then marked OK by the county investigator and sent to the clerk in the receiving office, where a smaller card is made out designating the ward, and this card accompanies the patient to the ward. 8. When the doctor is making a physical examina- tion, he may or may not order the initial bath to be given in this department. This also is desig- nated on the history card, together with the pa- tient's temperature. The patient is then taken to the bathroom, or allowed to walk, according to the condition. The bath depends wholly on the condition of the patient, whether bathed in chair, on cart or the table, or whether a shower is given. A head shampoo is given to all who receive the initial bath. 9. The nurse in charge of the bathroom is responsible for the care of clothes, money and other valu- ables. The patient is requested to give all money and jewelry to the care of the nurse, but if un- RECEIVING NEW PATIENTS willing, a statement is signed by the patient re- leasing the nurse from further responsibility of the same. After the bath the patient is imme- diately taken to the assigned ward. io. When the doctor, in examining the case, is in doubt as to the diagnosis, he may place his patient in the observation ward from eight to ten hours. If at the end of that time symptoms have devel- oped more clearly, the patient is sent into the hospital. If no symptoms have developed, and the patient is in good condition, he is released from hospital. NURSES' RULES FOR RECEIVING NEW PATIENTS A. Follow these rules in the order given: i. Call junior interne (or in emergency cases, call senior interne) and put patient to bed, at once. 2. Write on the back of patient's admission card: a. Nativity. b. Age. c. Occupation. d. How long a resident in Cook County. e. Civil state. /. How long sick. g. Religion. h. Money. i. Valuables. j. Disposition of clothes arid valuables. k. Temperature. I. Pulse. m. Respiration. n. Signature. 246 NURSING TECHNIC DO NOT WRITE ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER 3. Write the bed number on the front of the admission card. 4. Give liquid diet, unless contraindicated. 5. Put patient's bed number on diet list, unless otherwise ordered. 6. Put patient's bed number on four-hour tem- perature list. 7. Clothes: a. When patient comes to ward, dressed in own clothes, the clothes and valuables are to be listed in Clothes Book No. 1 and signed by the nurse and patient. When the patient is not able to sign, a second nurse must inspect clothes and add her signature. b. When patient comes to ward in hospital clothing, the date, name of patient, are to be entered in Clothes Book No. 2, and a statement made that the valuables and clothes have been cared for in the re- ceiving department. 8. Money and valuables must be taken from the patients, listed in the custodian's book and signed by the nurse receiving the same and who is responsible for it until the custodian receipts for it. When the patient turns over money or valuables to the care of the hos- pital, he must sign a statement to that effect and the hospital then' becomes responsible for the same. When money or valuables DISCHARGING PATIENTS 247 are known to have been cared for by the po- lice, a record of the same must be made in the custodian's book. Patients are not allowed to keep sharp instruments of any kind. 9. Make out the chart, recording: a. Time of admission of patient to hospital, to ward. b. How the patient came to the ward. c. The general condition of the patient. d. The presence of pressure-sores, abrasions, contusions, etc. e. Bath. /. Disposition of clothes and valuables. g. Temperature, pulse, respiration. h. Diet. i. Attach police record when left with the admission card and record on chart: " Police record attached." When no police record left, " No police record attached." NURSES' RULES FOR DISCHARGING PATIENTS 1. No patient is to be discharged from the hospital until the discharge is written by the interne. 2. If the patient is to be followed up by the social ser- vice department, notice is to be sent, at once, to that department. Workers from that department will arrange to transfer the patient from the hospital. 3. The court cases are shown on the ward directory 248 NURSING TECHNIC with a blue slip instead of a white slip. No court case shall be allowed to leave the hospital without due notification to the social service department. 4. The supervisor or head-nurse makes arrangements for the relatives or friends to take charge of the discharged patient, or arranges for the hospital ambulance. 5. After a patient's discharge is written, the super- visor or head-nurse makes out a slip, giving the patient's name, dates of admission and discharge, and sends this to the clothes room by an attendant or orderly. The clothes are issued upon this slip and is signed for by the one receiving the same. The patient signs for the clothes in the ward book, where entry was made, upon admission. When a patient is able to go to the custodian's office for his valuables, he is given a yellow card, signed by the supervisor or head-nurse, on which is the patient's name, dates of admission and discharge and num- ber of ward. The custodian then_Lssiies the valu- ables and the patient signs for the same. If the patient is unable to go to the custodian's office, a nurse takes the custodian's book, receives the valu- ables and the patient signs for the same. Any other valuables that have been left in charge of the nurses must be returned to the patient before he leaves the hospital 6. After a patient has left the ward, the discharge slips are attached to the chart, the chart is rearranged, unused leaves removed and then sent to the librarian's office. WHAT STUDENT NURSES SHOULD KNOW 249 WHAT STUDENT NURSES SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GOING ON JUNIOR NIGHT DUTY 1. General instructions. 2. Admission of patients into hospital. 3. Rules for receiving new patients. 4. Rules for discharging patients. 5. Care of bed utensils. 6. Care of bathrooms, lavatories, plumbing. 7. Care of empty beds. 8. Care of rubber goods. 9. General symptoms. 10. Some things regarding stains. 11. Order of the ward. 12. Charting, recording, and changing records at midnight. 13. Taking pulse, temperature, and respiration. 14. To make up bed patients. 15. Cleansing baths. 16. To place and remove bed pan. 17. Care of mouth. 18. Care of back. 19. Care of pressure sores. 20. Care of hair. 21. Care of nails. 22. Enemata. 23. Application of external heat and cold. 24. How to make a bed patient comfortable. 25. General liquid diets. 26. Collecting various specimens. 27. Making solutions, 250 NURSING TECHNIC 28. Fomentations and hot dressings. 29. Handling of sterile supplies. 30. General disinfection and sterilization. 31. Administration of medicines. 32. Catheterization. 33. Giving of douches. 34. Positions and draping for examinations and treatment. 35. Restraints. 36. Care of the dead. 37. Care of isolated cases. 38. Emergencies: a. Occurring in the ward. b. Brought in as new patients. 39. Gastric lavage. 40. Transfusion. 41. Nasal feeding. Student nurses going on night duty in the medical wards must know the following technic, in addition to the above: 1. Packs: hot and cold. 2. Sponging. 3. Alcohol sweat. 4. Orders in care of communicable diseases. 5. Tubbing. 6. Throat cultures. Student nurses going on night duty in the surgical wards must know the following technic in addition to the forty-one general points: 1. Preparation of patient for operation. 2. Preparation of operation bed. 3. Care of patient after operation. 4. Care of dressing-room. GROUPS OF INJURED PERSONS Student nurses going on night duty after their second month of night duty, need to know the special nursing technic of the department to which they are assigned, the difference between the junior and senior duties, the junior and senior internes. ORGANIZATION FOR HANDLING A LARGE GROUP OF INJURED PERSONS Notice of the possibility of a large number of in- jured persons being brought to the hospital should be communicated to the superintendent of nurses, at once, in order to provide for a temporary re-arrangement of the nursing service. Notice should be given the wards likely to receive such patients. A. Plan: i. That one supervisor act as general manager of the emergency, with one assistant. 2. That one supervisor govern extra supplies for all wards to which patients are sent. 3. That one supervisor make the general assign- ments of nurses. 4. That one supervisor or head-nurse be assigned to each -ward receiving emergency patients. 5. That the head-nurse of the ward continue as head-nurse of the ward and be responsible for the organization of her ward, conferring with the supervisors in regard to extra sup- plies and nurses. 6. That patients brought to the hospital in an ambulance or automobile, in an unconscious condition, be met at the door by orderlies with stretchers, wheel chairs, blankets and sheets, for covering. 252 NURSING TECHNIC 7. That as soon as the patients are brought in, a special package be pinned on the cloth- ing. This package to contain: a. One metal tag, with tape, to tie about neck. b. One paper tag, to wire to bedstead. c. One paper tag, to wire on clothes bundle. d. One envelope, to collect money and valu- ables in and seal. e. One muslin square, to tie clothes in. The three tags and envelope to carry the same number. 8. That elevator service be reserved for these patients only. 9. That two janitors be provided for continuous service, in wards receiving patients. 10. That one nurse be assigned to every three or six patients and be responsible for the clothes and valuables. The clothes, without being listed, put into muslin square and tagged with numbered tag in special pack- age ; money, rings or other valuables being placed in numbered envelope sent in special package, sealed. Both of these tags should also carry the name of the nurse who was responsible for this attention. These clothes and valuables must be given to the nurse whose duty it will be to list the same. 11. That one nurse shall be made responsible for the listing of valuables and clothes, after first aid has been extended to the patient. 12. That one nurse be assigned to the ward dis- tribution of supplies. GROUPS OF INJURED PERSONS 13. That two nurses be assigned for senior duties. 14. That two nurses be assigned to dressing or examining rooms. 15. That extra nurses be assigned to relief and night duty, as required to meet the emer- gency. 16. That one or two nurses, in each ward, be assigned to help friends identify patients, as required. 17. That one person, in each ward, be assigned to the telephone service and that reports of death be given her immediately and other reports be sent in to her once each hour. 18. That one nurse be assigned to the reports of patients for each three or four wards. Two reports for each ward and two reports for the hospital information desk shall be made. Each ward telephone operator and information shall have a report given them each hour. During the hour, between the reports, the report nurse shall see each patient, record his condition and exchange the reports at each centre, on the even hour. Deaths in the ward shall be reported to the ward operator and transmitted to the hos- pital information desk, at once. 19. That the operating-room service be cut down to surgical emergency cases, only, in order to release the nurses in that department to meet the special emergency. 20. That the general visiting hours be cancelled in the wards receiving emergency cases. 254 NURSING TECHNIC 21. That nurse's classes be cancelled and such notice be sent to the home to be bulletined. 22. That, in response for a general call for the nurses to report on duty, they respond at once and report in their regularly assigned wards, until reassigned by the supervisor in charge of assignments or released from duty. 23. That the night superintendent be provided, by the administration, a list of internes who may be called upon, for service during the night. In such instance as it is necessary to use the psycho- pathic building for heat cases, or the like, in addition to the foregoing: 24. That the front hall be used as a receiving department. 25. That a house officer be placed at the entrance to keep the police and friends from accom- panying the patients to the wards. 26. That one or more nurses be placed at the entrance to supply the identification packages. 27. That one person be transferred from the gen- eral receiving department to this entrance, to make out the admittance cards. 28. That one or two nurses be assigned to the entrance, to interview officers and friends as to the patient's identification; make out the card of admittance and attach it to the police sheet obtained from the officer. 29. That in such instance as the tubs are used, they be numbered. IN CASE OF FIRE 255 30. That one interne, one nurse and two orderlies be assigned to each tub. 31. That the interne and orderlies remove the clothes and that the nurse be responsible for the same to be wrapped and tagged; that valuables be sealed in envelope and that both tags be signed by her. She must keep a list of the numbered tags she has used and the number of the tub. Whenever possible, a record should be made on the envelope, whether or not the police have previously cared for valuables. ORGANIZATION OF FIRE DEPARTMENT COOK COUNTY HOSPITAL 1. Chief of Department—Warden. 2. Assistant Chiefs—assistant wardens, chief engineer, fire guards. 3. Stand-pipe and hose corps—one fireguard, one en- gineer, one fireman, from power plant. 4. Fire pump operator—one engineer. 5. Chemical and hand pumps—steamfitter or plumber on watch and three janitors. 6. Pipe, pole and ax corps—three janitors. 7. Stretcher and cart corps—doctors, nun.es and orderlies. IN CASE OF FIRE A. Nurses: 1. Nurses in ward where fire is discovered will turn in fire alarm and get all the patients who can walk or in wheel chairs to a place 256 NURSING TECHNIC of safety, out of the danger zone. Nurses from the nurses' home and those not on duty will divide into three squads, one squad to report for duty at ward where alarm was sounded, each of the other two to adjoining wards and get patients ready for removal with the greatest possible haste and without any unnecessary alarm. B. Internes: 1. Internes will report directly at scene of fire and place all patients on carts and stretchers - and remove them to the nearest ward out of the danger zone. C. Orderlies: 1. Orderlies will bring their carts and stretchers from receiving ward and find all the other carts that will be needed. D. Elevator men: 1. Elevator men in section of building where fire is will remain at their posts. E. Guards: 1. Door guards will remain at their posts and not allow any person in the building without important business. F. Engineers and firemen: 1. One engineer, one fireman from the power plant and one fire guard will man the stand- pipe hose, two men at the nozzle and one at valve; the remaining engineer places the fire pump in operation. G. Other employes: 1. Steamfitter or plumber on watch and three IN CASE OF FIRE 257 janitors will man the chemical and hand pumps. Three janitors will man the axes and pike poles, two with axes and one with pike pole. All other employes on duty at the time will hasten to the scene of the fire. Doctors, nurses and all employes will act upon orders from the fire chief in charge. H. Switchboard operators: 1. Switchboard operators will notify the receiving office and all wards adjoining the fire zone and give them location of the fire when alarm is sounded. I. Fire drills: 1. Employes are subject to a fire drill at any time. At such times all the foregoing rules will be strictly observed. Attaches and em- ployes who refuse to respond to a fire alarm call and who fail to provide a satisfactory reason will be subject to such penalties as the case demands. J. Rules: 1. Keep all passageways to fire escapes, exits and fire apparatus clear of obstruction. Allow no door to be securely fastened. In case it is absolutely necessary to fasten a door notify the fire chief in charge at once. Except in case of fire, employes must not remove or use fire hose or other fire equipments. (Signed) J. C. McDonnell, Chief Fire Prevention and Public Safety. Michael Zimmer, Warden. 17 INDEX A Abdomen, examination of, 199 Acids, 22 boric, 124, 131, 184, 190, 217, 218 carbolic, 20-22, 29, 30, 100, 217 hydrochloric, 25 oxalic, 24, 26 strong and weak, 22 Admission of patients to Cook County Hospital, 243-245 Albolene, 72, 124 Alcohol, 20-22, 27, 125, 128 Ammonia, 22-25 Anterior poliomyelitis, 19 Antitoxin, administration of, 173, 174 Apomorphine, 171 Argyrol, 26 Arsenic, 170-172 Atropine sulphate, 171 B Back, care of, 128 Back-rest, to place, 111 Balsam of Peru, 131 Basins, cleaning of, 13-21 Baths, 47, 77, !39, 162 cleansing, 47~54 bed-bath, 48-50 tub-bath, 50, 51 slab-bath, 51-53 shower-bath, 53 child's bath, 72-74 infant's bath, 74-77 Baths for elimination, 61-72 alcohol sweat, 68-70 hot air, 66-68 Baths, hot pack, 64-66 hot tub, 62-64 medicated, 69, 70 sweat bath, 70-72 Baths in hyperpyrexia, 54~6* cold pack, 59 tepid pack, 58, 59 warm pack, 57, 58 sponge bath, 55—57 tubbing, 59-61 Bath-rooms, care of, I3> M Bath-tubs, cleaning of, 14 Bath-water, disinfection of, 20, 21 Bed, to make an empty, 31-42 to make an occupied, 91- 95 to make when linen is not to be changed, 97 utensils, 11, 13, 15 Beds, 28-46 air, 18, 42, 43 airing, 11 carbolizing empty, 29, 30 cleaning empty, 28, 29 empty, 11 fracture, 43, 44 in line, 12 infected with vermin, 30 Klondike, 45, 46 operation, 44, 45 water, 42, 43 Bed-pans, 12, 14, 15, 21 to place and remove, 90, 91 Beef peptonoids, 131 Benzine, 26 Bichloride of mercury, 19, 22, 26, 30, 54, 170, 184, 189, 190 Binders, 192-195 scultetus, 192, 193 259 26o INDEX Binders, straight, for abdo- men, 192, 193 straight, for chest, iyj, 193 T, for perineum, 192, 193 triangular, 194, 195 Blood, 174 stains, 22, 23 Brandy, 171 Rrushes, 21 C Caffeine sodium benzoate, 171 Camphor, spirits of, 27 Camphorated oil, 22, 27, 171 Cantharides, 162, 167 Carbolic acid, 20, 21, 22, 29, 30, 190, 217 Carbonate of soda, 25 Carron oil, 26 Castor oil, 78, 129, 131, 139, 159 Catheterization, 209-212 Charting, 79^82 Chest, examination of, 197- 199 Children, 21 Chlorinated lime, 20 soda solution, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Chloroform, 22 Coffee stains on linen, 27 Cold, external application of, 133-136 Collodion, 173, 174, 223 Comfort of patient, 31, 43, 47, 61, 91, 125, 128, 132, 133, 192 Comfortable, methods of making patient. 105-125 Communicable diseases, care in, 10-21 Compresses, cold, 134 for the eyes, 219, 220 Convulsions, 232, 233 Counter-irritants, 162-169 Cramp in back of leg, 234 Cream of tartar, 25 Croton oil, 159 Croup tent, 180, 181 D Dakin's solution, 190 Dead, care of, 237-23^ Decubita, 130, 131 Department of health, 19 Digitalis, 170, 171 Digitaline, 171 Discharges from nose and throat, 21 Dishes, care of, in communi- cable diseases. 21 Disinfection, chemical, 18 of hands, 189 Dobell's solution, 124, 217 Douche, external, 205 vaginal, 206-209 vesical, 212, 213 Draping for dorsal and knee- chest position, 203 Sim's, and standing, 202, 203 Dressing room, 182-224 duties of nurses, 182-184 Dressings, application of hot, 20-i, 205 of hot, tor eye, 219 E Ear, irrigation of, 216, 217 Emesis basins, cleaning of, 14 containing vomitus, 15 Emergencies, 230-236 Enemata, 98-104 antiseptic, 98 anthelmintic, 98 astringent, 98, 104 carminative, 102, 103 colonic flushing, 99-101 emollient, 98, 103 milk and molasses, 102 nutritive, 98, 103, 104 purgative, oil, 1-2-3, 102 sedative, 98, 104 stimulating, 98, 104 INDEX 261 Enteroclysis, 98, 104 Epidemic meningitis, 19 Ergot, 170, 172 Ether, 171 Examination of abdomen, 199 of chest, 197-199 lower extremities, 199, 200 of rectal, 200 of throat, 195-197 of vaginal, 200-202 Excretions, 19 Eyes, 146, 147 application of medicine to, 215 cold compresses for, 219, 220 foreign body in, 235 hot dressings for, 219 irrigation of, 213-215 F Faucets, 13, 14, 106 Feces, 23, 151, 152, 226, 228 Feeding patients, 136-138, 139, 141, 177, 178 Fire department, organization of, 255-257 Flaxseed poultice, 166 Flies, 19 Fomentations, 162, 163 Formaldehyde solution, 16, 18, 190 Formalin, 20, 21, 190 Fowler's position, 113 Fractures, handling patients after, 121 Fruit stains on linen, 23 G Garbage, 21 Gavage, 176 General topics, 240-243 accidents to patients, 240 fire, 255 patient's clothes, 242 requisitions, 241 General topics, responsibili- ties of students, 241, 242 restraints, 243 serious condition notice, 240, 241 social service depart- ment, 240 telephone service, 241 ward management, 240 Gloves, rubber, 19 Glue, 24 Glycerine, 217 Gown, to change, 95-97 Grass stain, 24 Grease, 24 Green soap, 20, 191 H Hair, care of, 125, 139 Hands, 20, 26, 89, 123, 128, 162, 207 distinfection of, 189 Heat, external application of, 132, 133 dry, 163 moist, 163 stroke, 236 Hemorrhage, handling pa- tients with, 121, 122 arterial, 233, 234 capillary, 233, 234 venous, 233, 234 Hoppers, cleaning of, 13 Housekeeping, 11-28 Hot water-bag, 18 Hyoscine hydrobromides, 171 Hypodermic, 140 injections, 169-173 syringe, to clean, 173 Hyperdermoclysis, 220-222 I Ice-bags, 18, 21, 135 Ice-caps, 18, 135 Ice-coil, 18, 135, 136 262 INDEX Inhalations, steam, 179-181 croup tent, 180, 181 pitcher and towel method, 180 tea kettle and cone method, 180 Ink, black, 24 eradicator, 24 indelible, 24 red, 24 Insomnia, 145 Intravenous infusion, 223, 224 Inunctions, 160, 161 Iodine, 25, 131., 167, 206 Iron, 172 and potassium chlorate, 217 rust, 25 Irrigation of ear, 216, 217 of eye, 213-215 of mouth and throat, 217, 218 of nose, 218 Isolating patients, 234 J Junior night duty, what stu- dents should know before going on, 249-251 K Klondike bed, 45, 46 L Lubarraque's solution, 22 Lanolin, 19, 125 Larkspur, tincture for pedic- uli, 127 Lavage, 174-176 Lavatories, care of, 13, 14 Lemon juice, 24, 25, 124 Linen, care of, in communi- cable diseases, 20 Liniments, 162 Liquor cresol compound, 14, 15 Listerine, 124 Locke's solution, 191 Lower extremities, examina- tion of, 199, 200 Lunar caustic, 19 Lysol, 191, 206 M Measles, 19 Medicinal topics, 158-181 Medicines, on linen, 25 rules for giving, 158-160 Meningitis, epidemic, 19 Mildew, 25 Morphine sulphate, 171 Mouth, care of, 122-125 irrigation of. 217, 218 Mustard, 70 plaster, 164-166 N Nails, care of, 128 Nasal feeding, 177, 178 Nitroglycerine, 171 Nose, discharges from, 21 irrigation of, 218 Nurse basket, contents of, 78 O Oil, camphorated, 22, 27, 171 carron, 26 castor, 78, 120, 131, 139, 159 cedar preparation, 30 croton, 159 on linen, 26 on marble, 26 olive, 22, 27, 164 sweet, 22 Organization of fire depart- ment, 255-257 for handling a large group of injured per- sons, 251-255 Order of the ward, 11-13 INDEX 263 P Paint, 26 Patients, method of making comfortable, 105-121 to lift and carry, 106-108 to lift toward head of bed, 108, 109 to lift an injured leg or arm, 109 to undress a patient in bed, no to dress a patient in bed, no, in to move patient from one side of bed to the other, 113 to turn patient without a draw sheet, 113, 114 to turn a patient with a draw sheet, 114 to turn patient with lift- ing sheet, 114, 115 to get patient up in chair, 115, 116 to move patient from one bed to another, 116, 117 to change or turn mat- tress with patient in bed, 117 position of, 143, 144 Pediculi on body, 53, 54 on hair, 125 on head, 127 Percentage table, 192 Peroxide of hydrogen, 23, 124, 131, 217 Phenol, 30, 190 Phlebotomy, 222, 223 Pillows, to change, 95 readjust, 112, 113 Pilocarpine hydrochloride, 171 Plumbing, care of, 14, 15 Poison cases, 236 Positions and draping for ex- amination, 195-203 Positions, dorsal, 202 lithotomy, 202 Positions, knee-chest, 202 Sim's, 202, 203 standing, 203 Trendelenburg, 203 Potassium iodide solution, 26 permanganate solution, 24, 26, 131, 206, 217 Poultices, 162 flaxseed, 166 Powders, 131 bismuth, 131 boric acid, 131 lycopodium, 131 stearate of zinc, 131 talcum, 131 Preparation of surgical cases, I39-I4I Pressure sores, 47, 128, 130, 131 Pulse, 82, 84, 140, 154, 155 to count, 89, 90 Q Quassia tincture for pediculi, 127 Quinine, 170, 172 R Recording, 79-82 Rectal tubes, 21 Rectum, examination of, 200 Respiration, 82, 84, 85, 153 artificial, 230-232 to count, 90 Restraining patients, 117-121 Rigors, 157 Rubber goods, care of, 16, 18 chemical disinfection of, 18 drying and putting away, 18, 19 sheets, 16, 175 sterilization of, 18 Rubefacients, 162 Rules, nurses' for receiving new patients, 245-247 for discharging pa- tients, 247, 248 264 INDEX Salt, 22, 24, 25 Scarlet fever, 19 Set bowels, cleaning of, 13 Shampoo, bed, 126, 127 tub, 127 Shock, 55 Silver nitrate, 26 Sinapism, 164 Singultus, 234, 235 Sinks, cleaning of, 13 Siphon, 61 Sleep and rest for patient, 105, 106 Slings, 194, 195 Small-pox, vaccination against, 19 Smears, vaginal, 228, 229 Solutions, pouring of, 188 189-192 bichloride, 189 boric acid, 190 carbolic, 190 Dakin's, 190 formaldehyde, 190 green soap, 191 Locke's, 191 lysol, 191 potassium permanganate, 206 sal soda, 13, 15, 24, 25 saline, normal, 124, 131, 140, 191, 206, 217, 218, 222 stock, 191 soda bicarbonate, 18, 22, 124, 217, 218 table, 191 Specimen, bottle, 179, 225, 230 feces, 226, 228 sputum, 225, 228 stomach contents, 225, 228 urine, 225, 227 vomitus, 15 Spiritus frumenti, 140 Splinters, 235, 236 Sprains, handling patients with, 122 Sputum, 151, 225, 228 cups, 15 Stains, 22-27 Starch paste, 23-25 Steam inhalations, 170-181 Sterilizer, bed-pan, 14 Sterilizing rubber goods, 16 Stomach contents, 225, 228 tube, 174, 175 Stools, disinfection of, 20, 21 Strychnia nitrate, 171 sulphate, 171 Stupes, 162 turpentine, 164 Supplies, sterile, 184-189 handling of, 186-188 preparation of, 185, 186 Surgical cases, care of, be- fore and after operation, 130-141 Suppositories, 161, 162 Symptoms, objective, 142-155 abdomen, 149 appetite, 144 bones, 150 eyes, 146, 147 face, 146 feces, 151, 152 general, 142, 143 hands and feet, 148 mental condition, 144 mouth, 147, 148 muscles, 149 position, 143, 144 pulse, 154, 155 respiration, 155 restlessness, 144 skin, 145, 146 sleep and insomnia, 145 sputum, 151 temperature, 153, 154 tongue, 148 throat, 148 urine, 152, 153 voice, 148 vomitus, 150, 151 INDEX 265 Symptoms, subjective, 156,157 chills or rigors, 157 general, 156 pain, 156, 157 special senses, 157 Syncope, 232 Syphilis, when caring for, 19 T Table, percentage, 192 solution, 191 Tar, 24 Tea, stain on linen, 27 Temperature, 82, 83, 106, 140, 141, 146 charts, 79 to take, 85-87 by axilla, 88, 89 by mouth, 87, 88 by rectum, 88 Test meals, 178, 179 Thermometers, 21 Throat, 195-197 cultures, 229 discharges from, 21 Tinctures, benzoin compound, 131 iodine, 167 larkspur, 127 myrrh, 131 quassia, 127 Toilets, 13 Triangular bandage, 120, 194, 195 Tuberculosis, 19, 146, 149 Tubbing, 59-61 Tubes, rectal, 21 Turpentine, 140, 162, 164 Typhoid, 151, 152, 153 carriers, 19 vaccination against, 19 U Utility rooms, care of, 13, 14 Urinals, 12, 14, 15, 21 Urine, 152, 153 disinfection of, 20 specimens of, 162, 225, 227 V Vaccination against smallpox, 19 against typhoid, 19 Vagina, examination of, 200- 202 Vaginal smears, 228, 229 Vaseline, 125, 166 Venesection, 223, 224 Ventilation, n, 12, 106 Vermin, in beds, 30 Vesicants, 162, 167-169 Vinegar, 24 Visitors, 21 Voice, 106, 148 Vomitus, 15, 150, 151 W Wash basins, care of, 15 Waste cans, cleaning of, 14 Water, sterile, 206 Window shades, n, 13 Z Zinc oxide ointment, 17, 131 MJV #0«* ^*i icrS&S1