Household science and arts

Nose bleed is a form of bleeding which is sometimes difficult to check. Elevate the chin and the arm on the bleeding side, and apply ice to the back of the neck and forehead. Snuff up salt ice water, and if all this fails, plug the nose with wads of absorbent cotton. Infection. — Modem surgery aims at the prevention of infection by bacteria. An aseptic wound is a wound free from bacteria, and an antiseptic is a substance which is used to keep the wound surgically clean. Some of the antiseptics which are used now are hydrogen dioxide and boric acid. One should always keep some good antiseptic in a convenient place, with a package of antiseptic gauze and a roll of antiseptic bandage. In caring for a wound, stop the bleeding first. Then wash the wound carefully with an antiseptic solution, and bind on Digitized by Google a compress, made from antiseptic gauze wet with an antiseptic solution. Bums and Scalds. — Excluding the air will allay the pain of a bum or scald. This is best done by covering the bum with cloths wet with a paste of baking soda or of boric acid. If a bum, however slight, covers one third of the surface of the body, particulariy if the patient is a small child, a doctor should be called at once, for the shock resulting from such a bum may prove fatal, whereas a deep bum, unless the nerves and blood vessels are destroyed, may not be so serious. When the skin is destroyed, the same caution must be taken against infection as in other woimds. Sudden Unconsciousness. — Unconsciousness is the loss of sensation and voluntary motion. The following mles may be followed in any case of unconsciousness : — 1. Give fresh air. Do not allow crowding around the patient. 2. Loosen the patient's clothing at neck and waist and chest. 3. Lower the patient's head if the face is pale. 4. Put a pillow under the patient's head if the face is flushed. 5. Wet the patient's face with cold water. 6. Do not give the patient stimulants unless you are sure it is a case of fainting. Poisons. — Li most cases of poisoning, the person should be made to vomit. This may sometimes be accomplished by putting a finger down the throat while an emetic is being prepared. An emetic is a mixture of warm water with salt or mustard. When taken, it produces the feeling of nausea. A physician should be sent for at once. Li the meantime, prepare the emetic and find out the antidote for the poison. The right antidote will act chemically on the poison and produce a harmless compoimd. Digitized by Google HOME NURSING Poisons may be divided into three classes: corrosives, irritants, and narcotics. A corrosive poison begins to burn the tissues instantly. An irritant poison enters the tissues, producing inflammation. A narcotic poison tends to produce unconsciousness. CORROSIVE POISONS ANTIDOTES Acids Some alkali, such as baking soda dis- Acetic acid solved in a little water. Oxalic acid Hydrochloric acid Carbolic Acid Alcohol. Alkalies Some mild acid, as vinegar or lemon juice, AniTnonia sweet oil to form an emulsion. Potash Lime IRRITANT POISONS ANTIDOTES Arsenic An emetic of mustard and water. Paris green Rough on rats MeTQury White of egg. Corrosive sublimate Calomel Iodine Starch paste. NARCOTIC POISONS ANTIDOTES Aconite Emetic. Alcohol Cold applications to the head, heat at the feet, smelling salts. Chloroform Artificial respiration, stimulants. Opiiun Emetic — strong black coffee. Keep the Laudanum patient awake. Paragoric Morphine Digitized by Google HOUSEHOLD SANITATION