Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 May 1890 — In the Sick Room. [ARTICLE]

In the Sick Room.

Nothing is gained, and much time that is very valuable is wasted, by allowing ourselves to became nervous and unable to be of the slighest use in the sick room. Although we may consider a person too ill to be aware of what is taking place about them, they are oftentimes fully cognizant of the merest trifles, and’always more or less susceptible to any and all things going on in the sick room. For that reason, conversation about the condition of the patient . carried on in the room in whispers, or in any mysterious manner, should be avoided and an air of quiet cheerfulness always maintained; - - - Nothing is.so annoying as to-ba oontinually asked if we do not wish the pillows changed, the bed clothes straightened, the blind closed or opened, some nourishment brought, or auy small details attended too. Better by far, to see for one’s self, and do quietly without disturbipg the patient. Particularly if they are disposed to sleep, do not at once get a newspaper of the kind that has the greatest possible amount of rattle in it, and set thyself in a rocking chair regardless of the possible effect it may have upon the nervous condition of thy friend. When it is time for nourishment, or medicine, be prompt to give it, but always without talking it over too much; and if is the bitter cup that is to be prescribed, have something agreeable to follow, and a cheery word. If it is the food or broth, have it prepared outside the sick room, and brought quietly and above all, in an attractive form, to the patient, bearing in mind that a little, daintily presented, will be much more acceptable, and partaken of with more benefit than a larger quantity. An invalid is oftentimes better nourished by partaking of a little sustenance at short intervals, and the manner in which one is cared for has much to do with their improvement. — Good Housekeeping.