Apply cold compress around chest, protect with oilcloth or oiled silk. Put on gown, make mustard foot bath, use friction; apply warm bottle to feet and ice-cap to head. Instruct family about changing compress, giving medication, nourishment, keeping window open. Typhoid case: order general care, cleanse mouth, alcohol sponging, enema, typhoid precautions. Clear room of unnecessary articles. Prepare chloride of lime solution for cleaning (1 pound per gallon). Lysol 2% solution for hands. Family provides vaseline, thermometer, rubber catheter, etc. Typhoid thermometer and apron marked separately. Soak clothes in chloride of lime solution; wash and boil. Sprinkle bedpan with chloride of lime after use. Prepare bedside table; leave paper bag and toilet paper for patient's expectoration. Write up bedside notes; remove apron, soak hands well in lysol solution, wash hands. Instruct family about typhoid precautions (if possible do not permit person who does the cooking to take care of the patient), diet, ventilation, etc.
Erysipelas cases are visited after all other patients have been seen for the day. A pastehoard box containing necessary articles is taken to the home and left in the patient's room. Nurse’s bag is not to be taken into patient's room. Rubber gloves and a gown (with pin attached to side worn toward patient) to be left in patient's room. Nurse's coat, hat, and bag to be left in a room farthest from patient's.
Activity and rest are indispensable for health. Exercise must be moderate according to age, occupation, and condition of the individual. Bodily exercise should not mean all work but also include play. Rest and sleep are as important as work and play; nurses especially need sufficient sleep and rest.
Food is necessary for repairing bodily wastes and replenishing energy lost by constant oxidation within the body. The amount of food required each day varies based on age, sex, height, weight, activities, etc. Modern scientists claim that protein should not exceed 10% of total nutriment taken in; this would allow from 200 to 300 calories of protein for daily ration.
<Callout type="important" title="Chloride of Lime Solution">Prepare a solution of chloride of lime (1 pound per gallon) by placing it in four thicknesses of gauze and dissolving in the water. This is used for cleaning clothes, bedpans, etc.</Callout>
<Callout type="warning" title="Typhoid Precautions">Ensure that the typhoid thermometer is kept separate from other thermometers to avoid cross-contamination. The apron should be marked and disinfected properly after each use.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- Sanitize the environment thoroughly with chloride of lime and lysol solutions.
- Maintain strict hygiene practices to prevent cross-contamination.
- Ensure proper rest and nutrition for both patient and caregiver.
Practical Tips
- Use oilcloth or oiled silk to protect surfaces from moisture during care.
- Prepare a pastehoard box with all necessary items for erysipelas cases.
- Keep the nurse's coat, hat, and bag away from the infected room.
Warnings & Risks
- Do not allow someone who prepares food to also take care of typhoid patients.
- Ensure that the chloride of lime solution is properly diluted before use.
Modern Application
While many sanitation practices have evolved since 1917, the principles of thorough cleaning and disinfection remain crucial. Chloride of lime has been replaced by more modern disinfectants like bleach or hydrogen peroxide in most cases today. However, the importance of maintaining strict hygiene protocols to prevent disease spread remains unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the proper way to prepare a chloride of lime solution for cleaning?
A solution of chloride of lime (1 pound per gallon) should be prepared by placing it in four thicknesses of gauze and dissolving it in water.
Q: Why must the nurse's coat, hat, and bag be kept away from the infected room?
This practice prevents cross-contamination between clean areas and patient rooms where infectious diseases are present.
Q: What is the significance of marking a typhoid thermometer separately?
Marking it separately ensures that it does not get mixed with other thermometers, thus preventing contamination from one case to another.