In an endeavour to give readers the feel of how NJI looked like hundred years ago, we are
reproducing editorial of July 1910 issue. Such excerpts would be published each month.
“WHEN FOUND, MAKE A NOTE OF”
WARMING AN OPERATION BED.
After a long and serious operation it is very important that the patient should be put
into a really warm bed. To ensure this is an easy matter where a large dressing sterilizer
is at hand. Dressings are usually sterilized the day before the operations, so that as a
rule the sterilizer is not in use on the day of operation. Two pairs of blankets can be
put into the sterilizer, which should can be left there until the patient is ready to be
taken off from the table, when one pair ought to be spread under and the other over
the patient. It is surprising how hot blankets can be made in this way, and how long
they retain the heat, especially if a cotton quilt is put on the top. It is much more
satisfactory than hot bottles, as every part of the body gets the warmth, and there is
o danger of burning the patient.
SIMPLE REMEDIES FOR CONSTIPATION IN LITTLE CHILDREN
The cause of the difficulty should be sought and removed, and laxative drugs be kept
as a last resource. As an increase of the fat in the food is often needed a larger proportion
of cream can be added to the bottle, or, in the case of breast-fed babies, be fed from a
spoon. A teaspoonful or less of olive oil given once a day is harmless and often effectual.
Daily massage of the abdomen is an excellent remedy, practiced just before the hour
at which an evacuation is desired. The palm of the hand should be applied with gentle
pressure just above the right groin, and be carried in a horseshoe-shaped curve up to
the edge of the ribs, across to the left side, and down toward the left groin, thus
following the course of the large intestine and propelling its contents toward the opening.
The hand should be warm, a little sweet oil or Vaseline should be used, and the massage
should last about ten minutes.
In children over one year of age a little stewed fruit or a baked apple may be tried
carefully. Strained stewed-prune juice is often excellent. The juice of an orange is
frequently very serviceable, and a little may sometimes be given with advantage even
to a younger baby. In still older children the diet should contain plenty of fluid and of
foods that are somewhat laxative.
For the immediate unloading of the bowel one of the simplest and least harmful
methods is the giving of one or more enemata of warm water containing salt in the
proportion of a teaspoonful to a pint. Soapy water may be used instead if something
stronger is needed. For young babies one or two ounces is sufficient, and for those of
two years two or three times this amount. For emptying the bowel a soap stick is also
serviceable in many instances. It consists of a smooth conical stick of firm Castile
soap, two or more inches long, half and inch thick at the base, and tapering toward
the other end to the thinness of a bout one-quarter of an inch. It should be greased
with Vaseline before using it, inserted part way into the bowel, and held thee until a
tendency to an evacuation shows itself.
(condensed from “The Care of the baby,” by J.P. Crozer Griffth, M.D.
Nursing Journal of India, July 1910, Page 127
