Mother, Nurse and Infant / A Manual Especially Adapted for the Guidance of Mothers and Monthly Nurses, Comprising Full Instruction in Regard To Pregnancy, Preparation for Child-birth, and the Care of Mother and Child, and Designed to Impart so Much Knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Midwifery, and the Proper Use of Medicines as Will Serve Intelligently to Direct the Wife, Mother and Nurse in All Emergencies.

by S. P. Sackett

OF THE NURSE’S DUTIES IN CARING FOR THE DYING AND DEAD.

Certain duties devolve upon the nurse in cases of DEATH from any disease, and I prefer to refer to those duties here.

Among the signs that indicate approaching dissolution are a peculiar sharpness of the features; coldness of the toes, fingers and nose; a dusky shade about the finger nails; cold perspiration, restlessness, and muscular twitchings or stupor. When you are sure that the end is near it is best that the friends should be informed. While there is slight grounds for hope do not give up all efforts, but do not disturb the dying by useless ministrations. Note the exact time at which death takes place; this is usually, though not always, obvious.

There may be a rise of temperature, and the body be quite warm a short time after death; this is produced by chemical changes, but after a short time its temperature corresponds with that of the room in which it is lying. Then the peculiar stiffening of the muscles called RIGOR MORTIS sets in which lasts for a time and then disappears. Before rigor mortis comes on prepare the body for burial by washing it (using a weak solution of chlorinated soda or carbolic acid), closing the eyes, arranging the lips naturally, and combing the hair. Bandage the jaws closely, stuff all the orifices of the body with absorbent cotton to prevent discharges, and bind a cloth around the hips. A clean night dress or shroud or any other clothing desired can be over this, then cover the face and all with a sheet.

The arrangements can be put in the hands of an undertaker, but it is quite likely the friends will wish you to superintend them. If the body is to be kept for several days it must be packed in ice, and after twenty-four hours the face has a more natural appearance. The dark discoloration of the skin observable a few hours after death on the neck and sides and more dependent parts, is caused not by mortification, but by the blood settling or gravitating downwards. Slight discolorations about the face can be made less conspicuous by dusting them with toilet powder.

After the body has been taken from the house, the bedding must be sent out to be disinfected, all the appliances of sickness removed, the room put in order, and the windows left wide open for several hours.

SOME GENERAL LESSONS IN NURSING.

Rule 1. Do not get out of temper, but try to make the sick chamber the pleasantest and yet the quietest room in the house. Do not appear anxious however great your anxiety.

2. Do not converse in whispers; invalids generally are suspicious and will imagine all sorts of things if they see their friends conversing in this manner.

3. Do not urge the invalid to eat and drink when she does not feel like it.