parts, and burn it afterward. It is
sometimes desirable to place the patient on a bedpan and rinse the parts
by a gentle stream of warm water poured from a jug. After the attendant
has completed this part of the bath she should wash her own hands
thoroughly.

After the bath rub the patient with alcohol. If a complete alcohol rub
is impossible, at least rub the points where pressure comes, especially
the back. After the rub apply a little toilet powder if the patient
desires it. When the toilet is complete remove the bath blanket, remake
the bed and put the room in order.

CARE OF THE MOUTH AND TEETH.--In sickness the mouth and teeth require
more than ordinary attention; indeed, the condition of a patient's mouth
is a fair index to the quality of the care she is receiving. If the
patient can brush her own teeth she should do so in the morning, at
night, and after meals. At those times the attendant, without waiting to
be asked, should bring her a towel, tooth-brush, cup of tepid water,
tooth paste or powder, and a small basin or dish to receive the used
water. The process is generally more thorough when the patient does it
herself, and even a patient unable to sit up can brush her teeth
successfully if the nurse holds the powder and cup of water, and
provides a basin shallow enough for the patient to use by turning her
head to one side.

[Illustration: FIG. 17.--THE NURSE ASSISTING THE PATIENT IN BRUSHING THE
TEETH. (_From "Elementary Nursing Procedures," California State Board of
Health._)]

The attendant must cleanse the mouth of a patient who is unable to do it
herself. If this cleansing is neglected, a dark tenacious substance
collects upon the teeth and gums, composed chiefly of food particles,
bacteria, mouth secretions, and worn out cells of the mucous membrane.
Once formed it is difficult to remove, hence the mouths of all patients
and especially those who have fever, must receive proper care from the
very beginning of illness. Cotton swabs are convenient for cleansing the
mouth; they are made by winding a small piece of absorbent cotton upon a
match or wooden tooth-pick.

To cleanse the mouth of a helpless patient, take to the bedside the
mouth wash prescribed by the doctor, a towel to protect the bedclothes,
several swabs, and a receptacle for used swabs; the latter should be a
strong paper bag or several thicknesses of newspaper. Clean the tongue,
gums, teeth, and spaces between the teeth gently but thor