Practical hints on district nursing / by Amy Hughes.

  • Hughes, Amy.
Date:
1898
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Practical hints on district nursing / by Amy Hughes. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    should be shown how to change an ice bag, never allowing all the ice to melt before refilling it, and seeing that the weight is not resting on the patient; a piece of lint or linen (a handkerchief will do) should be between the bag and the patient's skin. A bonnet pin answers well for breaking off pieces. Baths, etc. The nurse should always carry a bath ther- mometer when giving douches or baths, as often a certain temperature is ordered. In the former cases, a little oil or vaseline applied to the vulva will enable the patient to bear a high tempera- ture more easily. The pieces of calico used for large jacket poultices can be used several times if placed in cold water until the linseed can be easily removed, and then dried ready for use. Removal of Dressings, etc. Poultices used for wounds should be burned by the nurse when taken off, and so should all soiled dressings. Even in summer it is desirable to burn them in the grate with paper, rather than leave them to be put in the dustbin or other even less convenient receptacle. Care should be taken not to leave tow, wool, etc., in slop pails or basins, as nothing will choke up drains more easily if allowed to enter the pipes. Hair, used matches, etc., should always be burned.