Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876 edition. Excerpt: ... DIET. 119 oatmeal-gruel, although, as one amongst other forms of nourishment, the basin of gruel deserves an important place. The diet at this time should be nutritious and plentiful, and regulated, as to its kind, very much according to a patient's inclination. I often tell my own patients that if they will cheerfully submit to my wishes as to lying down and keeping in bed, they shall have plenty of liberty in their choice of food. Many medical men have rules of their own, and nurses must always be prepared to follow their directions implicitly. When the nurse is left to her own discretion, she will find that her patients will recover their strength most quickly by being allowed to have some variety in their food from the beginning. Boiled milk should always enter largely into the dietary of a woman who intends to suckle her child. An occasional cup of good black tea is generally very grateful, with or without a little biscuit, toast, or bread and butter. From the first, beef tea, chicken, mutton, or veal broth, rice-caudle, and other simple fluids, are perfectly allowable. If all is going on well, and a patient expresses a desire for some more solid food, even on the second or third day, there is no harm in giving a little sole or whiting, a slice of chicken or tender roast beef, or a mutton chop. A glass of sherry, or half a glass of beer, may be taken with the solid meal, if the patient is accustomed to it and desires it; beyond this no stimulants of any kind should be given, except under medical direction. The Bowels.--A nurse should not give opening 120 MOOR. medicine on her own responsibility. The medical attendant will order what is necessary, and state when it is to be given. In many instances he will, no doubt, prescribe a...
