oughly, using
especial care if the gums are tender. Dip only clean swabs in the
solution, discard each one after using it once, and burn it afterward.
Let the patient rinse her mouth after cleansing it if she is strong
enough. If the mouth is very dry, encourage her to drink more water.
Notify the doctor if the gums and tongue crack or bleed since he may
wish to order a special mouth wash. Cold cream or boracic ointment may
be used if the lips are dry and cracked.

False teeth should be thoroughly brushed and cleansed, and kept in cold
water if taken out during the night.

CARE OF THE HAIR.--Long hair, if neglected, becomes tangled and matted
in a surprisingly short time. Unless the patient is actually in a dying
condition she is not too sick to have it properly attended to at least
once a day. Before combing the hair protect the pillow with a towel;
then part the hair in the middle from the forehead to the nape of the
neck, and draw it to either side. Begin to comb at the ends, holding the
strand of hair firmly in one hand placed between the head and the comb;
in this way tangles can be removed without hurting. After combing and
brushing the hair, braid it in two braids, beginning near the ears; draw
it as tightly or loosely near the head as the patient prefers, but
remember that tight braids mean fewer tangles. If the hair is heavy or
badly tangled the patient may be too much fatigued to have it all combed
at one time; in this case braid the part that has been finished and
complete the work later.

TO WASH THE HAIR OF A BED PATIENT.--The hair of a patient can be
successfully washed in bed if sufficient care is taken not to chill or
tire the patient, or to wet the bed. The following articles are needed:
one small jug of strong soap suds made by dissolving a pure soap in hot
water, one large jug of hot water at about 112 deg. F., one jug of cold
water, a slop jar or foot tub, one long rubber sheet or piece of enamel
cloth, and several towels including at least one bath towel. Let the
patient lie as near the edge of the bed as possible. Roll one small
towel lengthwise, place it below the hair at the back of the neck, bring
it up above the ears to the forehead and pin tightly, in order to catch
water that might wet the face and neck. Next make a kind of trough of
the large rubber by rolling its long edges inward for a few inches.
Place this across the bed under the patient's head so that her neck
rests on the lower rol