As a more efficient treatment, but slower in action, the administration of anaesthesine to the ulcerated epiglottis with a powder blower is recommended. This is usually done by the physician, as is, also, the insufflation of iodoform.
Cold packs are also used to give temporary relief, but they are not recommended as being very reliable.
Authorities differ regarding the proper diet for the advanced consumptive. It is generally conceded, however, that it should not vary to any great extent from the ordinary liberal diet, unless intestinal or other complications arise. The physical idiosyncrasy of each patient must first of all be taken into consideration, and this is primarily a matter to be decided upon by the physician in charge. The nurse should, however, be resourceful in her suggestions as to preparing a variety of palatable dishes. According to Walters ("The Open Air Treatment"), in intestinal tuberculosis, such foods as oatmeal, green vegetables, fruit and various casein preparations are better dispensed with, as they are likely to cause irritation and diarrhoea. Meat and meat juices should also be given with caution, as they, too, cause diarrhoea.
In hemorrhage, a cold diet should be given, such as milk, eggs, gelatin and custard. The nurse must insist in absolute rest and the patient should not be permitted to move until the danger of bleeding is over. Nervousness always accompanies hemorrhage, and the nurse can do much to allay this by assuring the patient that few people die from hemorrhage.
In closing, it might be well to mention some points relative to the nurse's equipment, her mode of dressing, etc. Her dress should be simply made and washable. Aprons made of soft cotton crepe are recommended because of the small space they occupy in the bag.
The contents of the bag, which should be lined with washable, removable lining, should include: Alcohol, tr. iodine, green soap,
olive oil, boric acid powder, boric acid crystals, vaseline, cold cream, mouth wash, tongue depressors, adhesive plaster (3" wide), bandages, safety pins (small and large), applicators, scrub brush, face shields, probe, scissors (2 pair), forceps, thermometers (3), medicine dropper, bags of dressings, dressing towels, hand towels (2), apron.
Because tuberculosis is so lasting and makes a family, ordinarily self-supporting, frequently dependent, it will be absolutely necessary for the nurses to have access to a loan closet. This closet should contain the following articles: Sheets and pillow slips, bed pan, blankets, rubber rings, gowns or pajamas, rubber sheets, tooth brushes, cold cream, rubber gloves, glass syringes, pus basins, enema bags, connecting tubes, rectal tubes, nurses' hand towels, surgical towels, instrument cases, aprons and gown, loan book.