VOMITING occurs, the color, consistency, amount, and general
appearance of the vomitus should be noted; if its appearance is unusual
the vomitus should be saved for the doctor's inspection.

EXCRETIONS.--The number of bowel movements is important, and also their
character. The consistency of the feces may be hard, soft or fluid;
their color may be any shade of brown, yellow or green, from black to
clay color. They should be saved for the doctor to see if appearance or
odor is unusual.

THE URINE in health is clear, amber colored, and slightly acid. From 30
to 50 ounces should be excreted in 24 hours; the amount varies, however,
especially according to the amount of fluid taken. It is important to
notice whether the urine is scanty or greatly increased in amount, dark
or pale, clear or cloudy, and whether sediment is deposited after
standing. It is essential that urine should be voided in sufficient
amount; the necessity for watching its quantity is frequently overlooked
in the home care of the sick. Frequency of urination should also be
noted. Inability to urinate, particularly where the urine has previously
been scanty, is serious if continued; it should be reported to the
doctor without delay. Inability to control the bladder and bowels are
also symptoms to be reported.

LOSS OF WEIGHT is significant in both adults and children, and failure
of babies and children to gain in weight is a danger signal.

SLEEP.--The number of hours a patient sleeps should be noticed and
recorded as accurately as possible. The word of the patient on this
subject is not sufficient evidence. Character of sleep should also be
noted, whether it is quiet or restless, and whether the patient sleeps
lightly or is difficult to arouse.

MENTAL CONDITIONS.--It is important to watch carefully the mental
condition of a patient; whether, for example, he is normal, or
depressed, irritable, restless, apathetic, dull, excited, wandering,
delirious, or unconscious. Hasty judgment of mental conditions should
be avoided, but close attention to them is necessary.

SUBJECTIVE SYMPTOMS

PAIN is the most important subjective symptom and should never be
disregarded. Bodily pain does not occur in persons who are in all
regards physically and mentally well; hence pain is a sign that
something, small or great, is out of order.

"Of all symptoms pain is the one which interests patients
the most. We here emphasize the truth, too little
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