If there is any anxiety connected with the case, it is advisable to take an observation every three hours, so long as the patient is awake; never disturb a patient during natural sleep for the purpose. Ordinarily take an observation two or three times during the day, but at set hours and at regular intervals, always noting the time.
Whenever the temperature of a patient is found to be below or above the normal 98·4°, viz., the arrow-mark on the Thermometer, then watch the case, as one requiring care. If the temperature has fallen as low as 97°, or gone up to 100°, make up your mind that there is something wrong; be vigilant. But a falling temperature below 97° means danger from collapse, and a rising one reaching 105° is a dangerous fever heat. In the last two occurrences remedial agents require to be applied to at once, and medical assistance urgently asked for.
Along with each thermometric observation, it is advisable to count the pulse, and the number of respirations [the average number of pulsations in a minute of a healthy adult are about 72, and the number of respirations about 16. In young children and infants the number of pulsations and respirations are usually much higher than in the adult, and so irregular that to the non-professional their value alone in diagnosing disease may be considered as doubtful, other signs and symptoms require to be more carefully studied, and taken into consideration along with them, and the temperature] that occur during the minute (the latter is easily done by laying the open hand on the upper part of the abdomen, and counting the number of rises) noting these, along with the temperature, and the time. Such data, if taken carefully and at regular intervals of time, form an invaluable means for assisting the physician in his diagnosis.
Example.
| May 17. | May 17. | May 17. | |
| Time | 9 A.M. | 12 noon | 3 P.M. |
| Temperature | 98·4° | 100° | 100° |
| Number of Pulsations | 72 | 80 | 80 |
| Number of Respirations | 16 | 20 | 20 |
Aitchison.
[5] Medical Thermometry, by Dr. C. A. Wunderlich, translated by W. Batherst Woodman, M.D. 1871, p. 6.
APPENDIX E.
List of articles required for carrying out the directions contained in this work: