Undesirable Visitors
Patients must be protected from those who have even the least injurious effect, whether immediate or later. When Arisitors first are permitted and often throughout the period of convalescence, it will be better to restrict the number allowed in the sick-room at a time to one. Continually turning the head, or even the eyes, to observe two or three or more visitors is wearying in itself. When combined with having to hear different voices, one or more of which is likely to be harsh and strident, or unduly loud, with clashes of voices as various ones attempt to speak at the same time, the patient is certain to be exhausted and made nervous. One visitor, placed con¬veniently so the patient does not face the light in looking at him, will not physically tire or irritate him unless he is re¬quired to do too much talking. All sick-room calls should be short, and the intervals between them should be regulated according to the patient’s condition and the effects of company.