3. Thermometer Disinfection.
To be washed before and after using in running water if possible.
After using wrap in cotton soaked in alcohol and leave until the work is finished. Then wash with green soap under running water.
4. Routine in the Home.
General Care:
A. Remove hat and coat, folding coat right side out and placing on chair away from wall. Place bag on chair or on table with newspaper underneath. B. Ask nature of illness, doctor’s orders, etc. Ask family for a kettle of boiling water; pitcher of cold water; basin, soap and soap dish; pail for the waste; tumbler; towels and wash cloth; bath blanket or sheet; clean gown and necessary bed linen; newspapers; comb and brush. C. Open the bag; put on apron; roll up sleeves; take from bag necessary articles, placing on clean newspaper or napkin. Wash hands and thermometer. Take everything needed from the bag at once to prevent unnecessary handling. Take and record T.P.R. of all cases except chronics of long standing. D. Place newspapers-one on chair, one under edge of bed for soiled linen, one for utensils (kettle, pitcher, etc.) Make cornucopia of newspaper for waste and pin to the side of bed. E. Bath. Cover patient with blanket or sheet. Remove upper bed clothes, fold and place on chair. Soiled linen should be placed on paper with the stains turned in. Avoid unnecessary exposure of the patient at all times. Give thorough bath, using plenty of soap and rinsing carefully. Change water at least once. Bathe upper half of body, give local bath, change water and bathe lower half. Put on nightdress before completing bath. Clean teeth and nails. Comb hair, protecting pillow with towel. In making the bed be sure that there are no wrinkles under the patient and that the bed clothes are neatly tucked in.
Partial Care:
Prepare as for general care. Bathe the patient’s hands, face, neck, axilla, and breasts, and give local bath. With maternity cases do post-partum dressing. Cleanse the mouth. Make bed as in general care.
DELIVERY ROUTINE
Extra articles to be carried in bags: gown, 2 towels, clamps, 2% silver nitrate solution.