to
place with the other, raising the elbow in such a way that it keeps the
blanket out of the water. Lower the feet slowly into the water, fold the
towel, and place it over the edge of the tub in order to protect the
patient's knees from the cold rim; then tuck the blanket closely about
the tub and legs and proceed as before. After the bath use the towel,
unless it is wet, to receive the feet when they are withdrawn from the
tub. Remove the tub, dry the feet thoroughly, cover them warmly, and
remake the bed.

COOL SPONGE BATH.--For feverish patients doctors often order cool sponge
baths. In order to give a cool sponge bath, first protect the bed
thoroughly, but leave the patient uncovered except for a towel laid over
the hips. Use cool water, or cool water and alcohol, and have the wash
cloth as wet as it can be without dripping. Bathe the body without
friction, using long, light strokes, and leave each part wet until the
bath has been completed. Do not use soap. Sponge in this way the arms,
legs, chest, and back, but not the abdomen, for ten to twenty minutes,
giving special attention to the neck and inner side of the arms and
legs, because in those places large blood vessels lie nearer the surface
of the body. After finishing the bath dry the body by patting it gently
with towels.

Take the patient's pulse occasionally during the bath, and stop the bath
at once if the patient's pulse grows weaker, if she shivers violently,
or if her face, fingers, or toes turn a bluish color. Babies react
rapidly to cool sponging; for a baby use tepid water, sponge for five
minutes only, and watch the child closely during the bath.

EXERCISES

1. What may a bath be expected to accomplish in addition to cleansing?

2. In giving a tub bath, what precautions should be taken to avoid
chilling the patient? to avoid tiring the patient?

3. What symptoms would lead you to think that a tub bath was not
agreeing with a patient? What should you do in such a case?

4. Name six essentials of a skillfully given bed bath.

5. What preparations should be made and what articles assembled before
beginning a bed bath?

6. Describe the method of bathing a patient in bed.

7. What care should the mouth and teeth of every sick person receive?
How should such care be given to a patient who is helpless?

8. Describe the daily care of a patient's hair, and tell how a shampoo
may be given to a patient in bed.

9. How should you give a mustard