A sleepy nurse will neglect
the application of the most important remedies, and necessarily give an
unfaithful report of symptoms; hours the most valuable to the child's
well-doing are thus lost, and the chances of saving its life worse than
problematical.
The temperature of the room should be kept rather cool than warm, and
the bed-clothes only sufficient to preserve the natural heat of the
body. Strong light must be excluded. Great quiet should be observed.
Freedom from all excitement of the senses, and irritation of the
temper, should be carefully avoided: this is particularly necessary
where the child is naturally of a quick and sensitive disposition.
All the excretions must be put aside for the inspection of the
physician, but not kept in the sick chamber, which must be well aired,
and perfectly free from closeness. The regimen must be only such as is
ordered, and any departure therefrom will be attended with mischievous
consequences. During the early periods of the disease, all that is
required are cooling diluents, given frequently, and in small
quantities at a time; and upon approaching convalescence great
carefulness must be paid to the amount of nourishment allowed, lest the
disease be rekindled: strict compliance, therefore, to medical
directions must be given.
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