Influence of Mind on Body. Anything that weighs
upon a patient's mind producing care or anxiety, exerts a
depressing influence upon the nervous system and retards re-
covery. Everything of this kind should, therefore, be care-
fully guarded against. It is a part of the duties of those who
wait upon the sick to cheer them and instil hope into their
minds; otherwise fear may take possession of them and add
to their danger.
Convalescence. This is that condition in which the
period of active disease being at an end, the powers of nature
are exerted toward repairing the waste of structure that has
occurred during disease. During convalescence the greatest
care is necessary, as relapses may occur and the disease end
286 In the Sick Room
fatally, or it may assume a chronic form. It is now that the
injudiciousness of friends begins to manifest itself, and
unless firmness be exercised on the part of those in attend-
ance, the patient may suffer through their mistaken kindness.
One of the most frequent signs of returning health is the
return of the patient's appetite, but it must be remembered
that his desire for food should never be fully satisfied. The
time which the patient must remain in bed varies in individual
cases, and can only be satisfactorily determined by the
medical attendant. When ^ person gets out of bed for the
first time after a severe illness he is generally only allowed
up for a short time, and the effect produced upon him must
be carefully watched. The clothing of the patient should be
warm and comfortable. A change to the seaside will often
work wonders. During convalescence, if the patient is at
all intellectually inclined, much pleasure may be given him
by reading to him or by supplying him with literature of an
interesting nature. A little-more caution during convalescence
than is usually found, and the chances of relapse occurring
would be greatly lessened, an otherwise precarious time
rendered comparatively safe, and the patient's recovery be
made more permanent and complete.
Sick Nursing. All women are likely, at some period
of their lives, to be called on to perform the duties of a sick
nurse, and should prepare themselves as much as possible,
by observation and reading, for the occasion when they may
be required to fulfil the oflfice. The main requirements are
good temper, compassion for suffering, sympathy with suf-
ferers, which most women worthy of the name possess, neat
handedness, quiet manners, love of order, and cleanliness.
With these qualifications there will be very little to be
wished for; the desire to relieve suffering will inspire a
thousand little attentions, and surmount the disgust which
some of the offices attending the sick room are apt to create.
hi the Sick Room 287
Page 159
Presented as published in 1894. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
Influence of Mind on Body. Anything that weighs upon a patient's mind producing care or anxiety, exerts a depressing influence upon the nervous system and retards recovery. Everything of this kind should, therefore, be carefully guarded against. It is a part of the duties of those who wait upon the sick to cheer them and instil hope into their minds; otherwise fear may take possession of them and add to their danger.
Convalescence. This is that condition in which the period of active disease being at an end, the powers of nature are exerted toward repairing the waste of structure that has occurred during disease. During convalescence the greatest care is necessary, as relapses may occur and the disease end
286 In the Sick Room
fatally, or it may assume a chronic form. It is now that the injudiciousness of friends begins to manifest itself, and unless firmness be exercised on the part of those in attendance, the patient may suffer through their mistaken kindness. One of the most frequent signs of returning health is the return of the patient's appetite, but it must be remembered that his desire for food should never be fully satisfied. The time which the patient must remain in bed varies in individual cases, and can only be satisfactorily determined by the medical attendant. When ^ person gets out of bed for the first time after a severe illness he is generally only allowed up for a short time, and the effect produced upon him must be carefully watched. The clothing of the patient should be warm and comfortable. A change to the seaside will often work wonders. During convalescence, if the patient is at all intellectually inclined, much pleasure may be given him by reading to him or by supplying him with literature of an interesting nature. A little-more caution during convalescence than is usually found, and the chances of relapse occurring would be greatly lessened, an otherwise precarious time rendered comparatively safe, and the patient's recovery be made more permanent and complete.
Sick Nursing. All women are likely, at some period of their lives, to be called on to perform the duties of a sick nurse, and should prepare themselves as much as possible, by observation and reading, for the occasion when they may be required to fulfil the oflfice. The main requirements are good temper, compassion for suffering, sympathy with sufferers, which most women worthy of the name possess, neat handedness, quiet manners, love of order, and cleanliness. With these qualifications there will be very little to be wished for; the desire to relieve suffering will inspire a thousand little attentions, and surmount the disgust which some of the offices attending the sick room are apt to create.
In the Sick Room 287