Care in Bathing Children
In bathing small children, be especially careful that they are not exposed to cold or drafts; dry them well and see that while one part is being bathed the rest is protected with adequate cov¬ering of light material. Change the personal and bed linen often enough to be always clean and dry. A child may be so easily put on another bed or a couch while the bed is being made that this may be done without disturbing it, even during high fever. In such cases, however, it would perhaps be better, be¬fore moving, to reduce the temperature by the use of the sponge bath.
Always hold a child’s head when there is vomiting, as it is comforting and relieves the strain. Assist the vomiting by giving a little water or other emetic (See Emetics, Section 5) and tickling the throat if necessary, when there is strenuous retching. In case of frequent urination without control, rub¬ber pants may be used over the diaper; or a bath towel may be pinned about the abdomen with a good-sized knot at the back so the child will sleep in some position other than on the back, this change often being beneficial. Never give food during a fever, unless this is due to tuberculosis. Fruit juices, un¬sweetened, are permissible, however, and often beneficial. Take a child up as little as possible when it is acutely ill. Chil¬dren are soon spoiled and make life miserable for themselves and their mothers or nurses, even after a short illness, if they have been “nursed” in arms too much—and almost any amount is too much. Besides, the handling of the child definitely ag¬gravates the disease.
The above are some of the simple things to consider in nursing children. Each case of childhood illness will call for its own details of nursing, as will each adult illness. But chil¬dren respond so readily that perhaps special care should be taken to see that they get proper nursing.