A text-book on hygiene and pediatrics from a chiropractic standpoint

by J. H. Craven

Need for Conserving Energy

Reference has already been made to the fact that adaptation to environment requires an expenditure of energy in case of incoördination. When an individual is sick there is need for conservation of energy to the fullest degree. At this time there must be no unnecessary drain upon the body in order that all forces may be centered upon the one thing—restoration. This leads us to a consideration of removing every unnecessary demand upon Innate for expenditure of energy so that all the forces may be utilized in the process of restoration.

There are a number of points to be considered in the care of the sick room where the patient is confined to his bed. There should be an even temperature maintained at all times and great care taken that the room is never overheated. The degrees at which temperature is to be maintained will be governed somewhat by the character of the incoördination. In conditions involving the respiratory tract the room may be kept quite cold. The temperature of the sick room may vary from 50° F. to 70° F. according to the incoördination.

One of the most important features in the sick room is proper ventilation and the elimination of dust and odors. The patient at all times should be provided with an abundant supply of pure air free from dust and other impurities. The room should be so ventilated as to eliminate objectionable drafts. This may be accomplished by placing screens in front of open windows or stretching a gauze over the opening in the window which will admit the air but not rapid enough to produce a draft.

In some cases of incoördinations involving the eyes it is advisable to maintain a subdued light in the room. This may be obtained during the day by drawing the shade part way down and during the night by placing shades over the lamps or electric lights. If the eyes are very sensitive to light an unnecessary adaptation may thus be avoided, thus enabling Innate to use her forces in a more desirable way.

Changing Sheets.

In severe cases some attention should be given to the furniture and hangings, not so much because of any special benefit to the patient, but for the convenience of the attendants and to insure a better sanitary condition by eliminating everything that would tend to catch dust and dirt and matter given off into the breathing zone.

Lifting Patient with Draw Sheet.

The bed and bedding should be kept clean and fresh. The patient should be placed between sheets and not between blankets even in the winter time. The top cover on the bed should be white or of a light color. All soiled linen should be removed immediately and the pillows should be kept well aired. If the patient is weak, or for other reasons must be handled by attendants, a draw sheet will be a great convenience; a sheet may be folded about three times for this purpose and placed under the patient’s hips on top of the bed sheet. This may be used to turn the patient, move the patient from one side of the bed to the other, or it may be found of service in placing him on the adjusting bench. This draw sheet may be left under the patient without discomfort. At all times care should be exercised that the sheet, draw sheet and covers are kept free from wrinkles. The bed clothes should be changed in such a way as to disturb the patient as little as possible. One-half of the bed should be changed at a time and the patient moved over on the clean sheet with the aid of the draw sheet. It is not expected that the chiropractor will find it necessary to do all these things himself; indeed, if the patient is ill enough to require this kind of care there should be a nurse on the case. However, even though he is not going to do these things himself, he certainly ought to know how they should be done.

Draw Sheet in position for lifting patient to adjusting table.

If the patient is forced to use a bed pan, great care should be exercised that the bed clothes and clothing of the patient are not soiled. If they are they should be immediately changed or at least as soon as practicable. The disposal of the excreta is of vital importance. It should be removed from the sick room immediately. From a hygienic standpoint the fecal matter, urine and sputum should be disinfected with a 10% solution of formalin and allowed to stand for an hour, or by adding bichloride to make a solution of one to one thousand. The fecal matter should be placed in a receptacle and enough hot water added to cover it, then a cup of unslacked lime added and this allowed to stand covered for a couple of hours before throwing into the sewer.

The patient confined to the bed should receive proper care. His hands and face should be bathed and he should be given a sponge bath. This may be done without disturbing the patient materially and may add greatly to his comfort. If the incoördination is in the fever family there will be no danger of the patient taking cold, but if it is not a febrile dis-ease, great care must be taken to prevent this complication. Everything possible should be done to add to the comfort of the patient and to create a pleasant and cheerful atmosphere about the sick room.

Lifting a patient with draw-sheet to place on adjusting table.