4. That the blood in the descending aorta is chiefly derived from that which has already circulated in the upper extremities and, mixed with only a small quantity from the left ventricle, is distributed to the lower extremities; hence the small size and imperfect development of these parts at birth.
NURSING IN DISEASES
OF CHILDREN.
Spasmodic Croup.—Spasmodic croup is due to a sudden closure of the glottis.
Causes.—Exposure to a cold, damp atmosphere, indigestion, or irritation of the throat. There may be some hoarseness a few hours preceding the attack and the child awakens suddenly in the paroxysm of the sharp croup cough, experiences difficulty in breathing and has the cyanotic appearance so terrifying to the mother, but which need give no cause for serious alarm.
Treatment.—Apply hot compresses about the throat. If the attack is severe give an emetic—one dram of salt or mustard in one-half cup of warm water, and repeat in twenty minutes if necessary; an enema of warm water should be given and steam inhalation resorted to. Keep the child in an even temperature, restrict diet for a few days, and keep bowels active.
Parotitis (Mumps).—An infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the parotid glands. Incubation is from two to three weeks.
Symptoms.—The disease comes on with a mild chill, pain below the ear and swelling of the glands. There is great discomfort and the tension is very disagreeable.
Treatment.—Keep patient in bed during the height of the disease. Give liquid and soft diet. Bowels should be opened freely. No medicine is required unless fever is high. Apply cold compresses to the affected part, though, if preferred, hot ones may be used. A pad of cotton with oiled silk is the best application. In cases of extreme redness or tenderness of the glands, leeches may be applied. In cases of delirium use the ice-cap. For orchitis, lubricate the parts with camphorated oil and support with a soft cotton pad.
Duration of disease, from seven to ten days.
Whooping-Cough.—An infectious disease, beginning with catarrh of the air-passages, like an ordinary cold. The short expiratory coughs following each other in rapid succession and the period of drawing a long breath give rise to the whoop characterizing pertussis.