In using galvanism a good battery and outfit are essential. First, it is necessary to have a milliampere meter, an instrument to measure the strength of current used. The quantity of electricity used should be measured the same as the quantity or dosage of drugs prescribed. Another essential instrument is the rheostat, by which the current strength may be gradually increased or decreased without interrupting the current. The electrodes which are attached to the poles of the battery may be metal, metal covered with sponge, cotton, etc., preferably cotton, which may be renewed with each application, thus avoiding the possibility of infection, always present in the use of a sponge-covered electrode, which cannot be changed with each application.
In the use of galvanism we may speak of two different methods. First, what is called cerebral galvanism, second general. By experimentation it has been clearly demonstrated that all the deeper tissues and organs of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord, liver, etc., may be influenced by galvanism. In cerebral galvanism the object is to influence the brain and spinal cord. In applying it to the head, a sponge or cotton-covered electrode 4-5” in diameter may be used. The positive electrode is applied to forehead, the negative at nape of neck, using a current of 5-10 milliamperes for from five to fifteen minutes, care being taken not to suddenly make or break the current, as this would produce a disagreeable shock to the patient. The circulation of the brain may be affected also by placing an electrode at the nape of the neck, and a smaller electrode (1-2” in diameter) passed up and down along the border of the sternocleidomastoideus muscle, using a current of 3-5 milliamperes. Galvanism used in this way is beneficial in such conditions as cerebral anemia, neurasthenia, insomnia, etc. In applying to the spine, one electrode may be used at the upper and the other at the lower part of the spine; or a large-sized electrode may be placed over the abdomen, and the other electrode moved up and down the spine without breaking or interrupting the current, the strength of which may be from 10-20 milliamperes, and the duration of each application varied to suit the condition of the patient. This treatment is indicated in such disorders as neurasthenia, infantile spinal paralysis, locomotor ataxia, etc.
General galvanization may be given by placing a large-sized electrode at the spine, over the abdomen, or at the soles of the feet, the other electrode, smaller in size, being passed over the entire surface of the body without interrupting the current, which may be from 5-8 milliamperes. This procedure will stimulate the peripheral circulation, elimination, and nutrition. The muscles may be exercised by using an interrupted current of sufficient strength only to cause contraction. General galvanization is very beneficial in such conditions as neurasthenia requiring the rest treatment, convalescence from various diseases, paralysis, multiple neuritis, etc. In the use of electricity it should be remembered that patients show idiosyncrasies as in the use of drugs, so that each case should be given the amount of electricity best suited to individual peculiarities. Unless this point be kept in mind, we will be surprised to find at times that the use of electricity aggravates the patient’s condition.
Faradism, or the induced current, is characterized by a high electromotive force and a low amperage or quantity. It is an interrupted current, and from the secondary coil it is an alternating current. It cannot be used like the galvanic for electrolytic-cataphoric purposes. Its effect upon the body is almost entirely mechanical; also unlike the galvanic, there is practically no polarity. It cannot be used to affect the deep-lying structures, such as the brain, spinal cord, etc. The current-strength is not measured by a milliampere meter. It will produce muscular contraction only through the motor nerve supplying the muscle. This is a point to be remembered. Its use is confined largely to exercising muscles and stimulating peripheral circulation, and is useful in such conditions as paralysis where the cause of the paralysis is in the brain (because where the lesion producing the paralysis is in the spinal cord or peripheral nerves the muscle will not contract when faradism is applied), and in convalescence and all conditions requiring exercise which cannot be obtained actively. In applying this form of electricity (if the object be to stimulate circulation), the strength of the current should be regulated to suit the feelings of the patient. The technic is practically the same as described above for general galvanization. If we wish to exercise the muscle, then that current should be used which is just strong enough to produce muscular contraction and no stronger, care being necessary not to over-stimulate and exhaust the muscle. As a means of muscular exercise only this current is preferable to galvanism, being easier of application and less likely to produce harm.
Franklinic, or static electricity, is seldom administered by a nurse unless in a hospital or in a physician’s office. The current is produced by machines of various makes, such as glass and mica. The plates vary in diameter from twenty inches to three feet or more, and in number from two to sixteen or more. Its current then generated is characterized by an enormously high electromotive force, but a very minute quantity or amperage. Unlike the other two forms of current described, its use does not necessitate the removal of clothing. It may be used by placing the patient on an insulated platform and charging him with this current of high electromotive force, which very markedly stimulates circulation; or it may be used by applying or drawing sparks directly from the patient’s body, in this manner producing counterirritation, stimulating circulation, relieving localized pains, etc. It has been found useful in such conditions as chorea, neurasthenia, muscular rheumatism, lumbago, chronic inflammation of nerves, etc.
Nurses probably will never be called upon to use the x-ray, but this most wonderful manifestation of electro-force has recently taken a prominent position as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent. Parts of the human body heretofore only revealed by the use of the knife or post mortem are now plainly discernible during life through the use of this force. The field of its therapeutic application is a large one, and disorders which have been considered incurable or difficult of cure by other means now yield readily to the x-ray.
FOOD CONSTITUENTS.
The Wise Combination of Food.—In order that each meal may be planned to meet the needs of the body it is necessary that it contain protein, fat, carbohydrate, mineral matter, and water. Some flavor foods should enter into each meal.
Flavor is important because it stimulates the appetite and because it stimulates the flow of digestive fluids and thus aids digestion. Such foods are only injurious when they are used to excess. In that case the nerves which control the flow of digestive fluids are overstimulated and at last become weakened. Avoid the use of too many flavors at one meal.