practical nursing

Preface

In the following chapters we have dealt with the nurse’s work from a general point of view. In another volume we hope to consider in detail the nursing of the various medical and surgical ailments, and also devote some space to special branches of nursing.

Our great aim in writing this book has been to make the practical part of it as thorough as possible, and to give every step in the performance of the various nurs- | ing operations. Not that we for one moment believe that book-work can ever. take the place of, or even compete with, ward-work ; but we do hold that a precise and complete account of an operation, such as a vapour bath, will aid a nurse in the giving of it, particularly if she should be doing so in private, after having had but little experience of it during her vi PREFACE.

hospital career. It seems to us that the descriptions given in books on nursing are, as a rule, too sketchy.

Further, we have endeavoured to make clear the reasons for what a nurse does when carrying out the treatment that has been ordered. This should increase her interest in the work, and lead to a more intelligent performance of it.

We have to thank Dr W. T. G. Pugh for his very careful reading and correction of the proof-sheets.

LS Ho.

VEL

VIII,

X.

CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

. THE HYGIENE OF THE WARD . . WORK IN THE WARD AND PRIVATE SICK-ROOM .

PERSONAL CARE OF THE SICK .

OBSERVATION OF THE PATIENT OBSERVATION OF THE PATIENT—continued DIET IN DISEASE

HOT BATHS AND PACKS

HOT AND COLD APPLICATIONS . .

COUNTER-IRRITANTS—SYRINGING THE THROAT, NOSE,

AND EARS

. ENEMATA, ETC. . . E . : . .

MEDICINES AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION .

THE NURSING AND FEEDING OF SICK CHILDREN

. CONTAGION AND DISINFECTION -. 4 z 6 . ON THE PRODUCTION OF SURGICAL CLEANLINESS

PRACTICAL NURSING.