T
he following brief article in The BJN 100 years ago introduced
nurses to the shape of the modern bed pan. This resulted from
a change in design from the round pan to the more ergonomic
shape we use today:
‘Every nurse knows that when a patient with a tender
back has to use an old-fashioned bed pan of the circular
pattern that the greatest care must be exercised, or
tenderness and redness may quickly develop into a
bed sore. To such patients the “Perfection” bed pan,
supplied by Meinecke and Co., USA, is a boon indeed,
and never since it was first brought to our notice at the
International Congress of Nurses in Buffalo, USA in 1901,
have we seen one which can compete with it. It follows
also that, if it is desirable for patients with threatened
bed sores, it is also the right and most comfortable shape
for ordinary patients, the reason being that the shape
conforms to the body, which is not the case with bed
pans of the ordinary type.’
The ‘Thesnor’ chin strap for patients with breathing
difficulties:
‘We have pleasure in drawing attention to the “Thesnor”
chin strap, designed by Mrs Helen Best, whose numerous
and delightful toilet preparations are well known and
widely appreciated. The “Thesnor” was produced by Mrs
Best as an aid to correct breathing by keeping the mouth
closed, and so preventing the entrance of atmospheric
impurities to the lungs. It has been found, further, that
it removes the feeling of physical fatigue which results
from sleeping with the mouth open, and also relieves
dryness of the throat and the parched condition of
the tongue, due to the same habit, with the result that
healthy, refreshing, and natural sleep is obtained. By its
use the habit of snoring is also eradicated. The cost of
the “Thesnor”, which is made in two qualities, is 5s. 6d.
and 7s. 6d., and those ordering this, or any other of Mrs
Best’s preparations, should state whether these should be
addressed Mrs or Miss, and the permanent address should
always be mentioned when writing from a temporary
one. This is especially important in the case of nurses who
move about so much.’
The digestive value of pineapple:
‘The medical value of pineapples, says the Spatula, has
recently been the subject of considerable inquiry among
physicians, and in Hawaii experiments have been made
to determine something of these properties. It has been
found that the fruit of the pineapple contains a digestive
principle closely resembling pepsin in its action, and to
this is probably due the beneficial results of the use of
the fruit in certain forms of dyspepsia. On the casein of
milk pineapple juice acts as a digestive in almost the same
manner as rennet, and the action is well illustrated by
placing a thin piece of uncooked beef between two slices
of fresh pineapple, where in the course of a few hours its
character is completely changed.
Smoking is bad for your eyesight:
In his report to the Directors of the Royal Victoria Eye Infirmary,
Paisley, Dr N Gordon Cluckie calls attention to the abuse of the eyes
by their excessive use in reading in bed. Referring to 152 cases of toxic
amblyopia due to excessive use of tobacco, he points out that these
working men were so saturated with nicotine that the visual nerve
centres of the brain were affected, and defective vision caused to the
extent of preventing them from earning their daily bread.
‘It is the absorption of the nicotine and its poisonous
effects that are to be guarded against. If the nerve of
vision is not decayed, and the patient becomes a total
tobacco abstainer, vision may be restored to its normal
condition in a few months. In Dr. Cluckie’s opinion there
is great a need for Total Abstinence societies for tobacco
as for liquor.’
The care of patients following chloroform administration:
‘When the patient returns to the ward, the hot water
bottles and blankets are removed from the bed, and he is
gently lifted onto it before the blankets and bottles are
replaced (with a layer of blanket between the skin and
bottle). If necessary, a cage is placed over the wounded
part and the bed-clothes put straight. Only one small
pillow should be put under the head first. The nurse
must not leave the patient until he is out of the
chloroform, and he will probably feel very sick. If the
patient vomits, the head must be slightly raised or
turned to one side. The patient must be kept quiet, and
nothing must be given by the mouth for a few hours
except a little ice or soda water. After four hours, if
there is no sickness, he may have a little milk and soda
water. If there should be troublesome sickness, starvation
may be tried as a means of controlling it, or sucking
small pieces of ice or sipping very hot water may be
tried. The part that has been operated on must be
carefully examined from time to time to see that there is
no swelling or haemorrhage, or discharge through the
dressing.’ B