Note the condition of the skin and tongue.
Note the amount of sleep, its character, whether quiet or restless and whether or not there have been delirium, stupor, or twitching of the muscles.
Note the exact amount and character of nourishment taken, and the time it was given; also the amount, time of administration, and effect of medicines and stimulants.
Cleanse the mouth and teeth frequently with some antiseptic wash, such as listerine, 1 part; water, 3 parts.
Bed-sores can nearly always be prevented by keeping the patient and bedding perfectly clean, the skin absolutely dry, and the bed-linen smooth. Changes of position are also important. Parts subjected to pressure and soiling should be washed at least twice daily with soap and water, thoroughly dried, gently rubbed with alcohol, and then dusted with a powder like the following:
| Boric acid, | 1 | part; |
| Starch, | 1 | “ |
| Zinc oxid, | 1 | “ |
If the skin be reddened and tender it may be painted with collodion and then dusted. When the part cannot be kept dry, it should be smeared with zinc ointment and powdered. In very prolonged cases it usually becomes necessary to use water- or air-pillows or water- or air-beds.
To disinfect the feces and urine, use a solution of chlorinated soda (Labarraque’s solution). Cover the urine and feces with the solution and leave the contents stand for an hour. Cleanse pan thoroughly and pour into it the Labarraque solution.
PNEUMONIA.
Pneumonia is a general infection, excited by a special organism—the pneumococcus—and manifested by a local inflammatory process in the lung and severe systemic disturbances.