. Place a pad or
folded cloth between the patient's back and the pan; then lower the
patient gently. Before removing the pan, bring toilet paper, water and
two pieces of soft old muslin or gauze. A patient, if able, prefers to
use the toilet paper without assistance; her hands should afterward be
thoroughly washed. If she is unable, the attendant must do everything
needed. After the patient has been cleaned as thoroughly as possible
with paper raise her hips with one hand and then remove the pan; it is
important to raise her first because the skin often adheres and may be
injured if the pan is suddenly pulled away; carelessness in managing the
bedpan has caused more than one bed sore. Then remove the pan with one
hand and cover at once. Turn the patient, if helpless, on her side, wash
the parts with one piece of old muslin, thoroughly dry them with the
other, and either burn or thoroughly wash both pieces afterward.

Empty the bedpan and clean it at once; ordinarily one can clean it
without wetting or soiling the hands. Use cold water first, removing all
adhering solid particles with a tightly rolled piece of toilet paper. Do
not use a brush for this purpose. After using cold water, rinse the pan
thoroughly in hot water, and at least once a day wash it well in hot
soapsuds. Directions for disinfecting the pan will be given later, but
remember that a properly kept pan needs no deodorant solution. Glass
urinals should be provided for men, and kept clean in the same way.
Contents of both bedpan and urinal should always be carefully inspected;
neither should be emptied in the dark.

DAILY ROUTINE IN THE SICK-ROOM

Obviously the routine of a patient's day must vary according to her
condition, her preferences, and the amount of time the attendant has to
give her. The temperature, pulse, and respiration must be taken and all
medicine, nourishment, and treatment given at the exact times ordered,
but the attendant should learn whether or not the doctor wishes her to
wake the patient for food or treatment. Good management in the sick-room
depends upon foresight and planning, and therefore it is well to keep in
mind the following suggestions:

Vitality is lowest in the early morning, hence baths and treatments,
especially if they are fatiguing or painful, should if possible be left
until after breakfast. Patients often wake early and wait, weak and
miserable, for the day to begin. A hot drink at this time may give
relief and