in a position of opisthotonos. There is extreme hyperesthesia, and the slightest touch causes an increase in the spasm which is attended by severe pain. If the respiratory muscles are involved there is intense dyspnea. The temperature usually remains normal until just before death, when it may rise to 107 ° F. or more. The mind is clear to the end. The duration is from a few days to several weeks. Death occurs in nearly every case. Tetanus occurs sometimes in the newly bom from infection of the umbilical cord. Treatment.— There is an antitoxin for tetanus which is injected into the system. At the present time the value of this remedy has not been fully determined.
HYDROPHOBIA OR RABIES A disease of dogs which at times is communicated to children through a bite of an animal suffering from rabies. It takes about six weeks for the disease to develop after the wound is received. Symptoms.— These consist principally of paralysis of the muscles of the throat, which prevents swallowing. There is fever, and convulsions are present. Treatment.— All dog bites should be immediately washed with antiseptic solutions and a wet bichlorid dressing applied. At the present time cauterization has been discontinued, the bite being treated as an open wound. If the dog is known to have had rabies, treatment by the Pasteur method will prevent the child from developing the disease. Pasteur institutes exist in New York and Chicago. The Boards of Health of some of the larger cities furnish the serum. The treatment, according to this method, consists of hypodermic injections of the serum extending over a period of several weeks.
NURSING IN THE ACUTE INFECTIOUS DISEASES The room should be kept at an even temperature; it should be well lighted and ventilated. Bathing should be thorough. The clothing should be of a light woolen texture. Sleep should be encouraged, the urine should be examined routinely, and the temperature, pulse, and respirations taken every three hours when there is fever. Care should be taken by the nurse to prevent the infection of herself. All antiseptic precautions should be employed. In malaria the child should be protected against mosquitos. The feedings should be liquid. In tetanus it may be necessary to feed through a catheter placed in the mouth or nose. In syphilis avoid contagion, and when applying mercurial ointment, to prevent irritation of skin, select a new place each day. For example, the abdomen, right and left axillae, and the right and left thighs, can be utilized in rotation.
<Callout type="warning" title="Immediate Action Required">All dog bites should be immediately washed with antiseptic solutions to prevent rabies.</Callout>
<Callout type="important" title="Antitoxin for Tetanus">There is an antitoxin available, but its value has not been fully determined yet.</Callout>
<Callout type="tip" title="Proper Wound Care">Use antiseptic solutions and wet bichlorid dressings to treat dog bites.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- Tetanus can occur in newborns from umbilical cord infections.
- Rabies is a disease of dogs that can be transmitted to children through bites.
- Immediate wound cleaning with antiseptic solutions and wet bichlorid dressings are crucial for preventing rabies.
- The Pasteur method involves hypodermic injections of serum over several weeks to prevent rabies in exposed individuals.
Practical Tips
- Always clean any dog bite wounds thoroughly with antiseptic solutions immediately after the incident.
- Keep a close eye on children's temperature, pulse, and respiration when they have fever due to infectious diseases.
- Use caution when applying mercurial ointments in treating syphilis to avoid skin irritation.
Warnings & Risks
Rabies Risk
If a dog is known to have rabies, immediate treatment by the Pasteur method can prevent the disease from developing.
The value of antitoxins for tetanus has not been fully determined yet, so their effectiveness may vary. - Callout type="warning" title="Infection Prevention">Nurses must take all necessary antiseptic precautions to avoid self-infection while treating infectious diseases.
Modern Application
While the specific treatments and methods described in this chapter have evolved significantly since 1907, the core principles of infection control, immediate wound care, and the importance of timely medical intervention remain crucial. Modern readers can apply these lessons by understanding the risks associated with dog bites and rabies, ensuring proper hygiene practices, and recognizing the signs of infectious diseases early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the typical duration of tetanus in children?
The chapter states that the duration of tetanus can be from a few days to several weeks, with death occurring in nearly every case.
Q: How should dog bites be treated according to this chapter?
Dog bites should be immediately washed with antiseptic solutions and treated as open wounds. A wet bichlorid dressing should be applied, and if the dog is known to have rabies, treatment by the Pasteur method involving hypodermic injections of serum over several weeks may prevent the disease.
Q: What are the symptoms of hydrophobia or rabies in children?
The symptoms include paralysis of the muscles of the throat which prevents swallowing, fever, and convulsions. The chapter notes that it takes about six weeks for the disease to develop after a dog bite.