enable the patient to sleep again. Even though breakfast time
is near, nourishment should be given as soon as the patient wakes. She
may not admit that she is hungry, but her nourishment should not be
delayed until the family breakfast is ready, or still worse, finished.

Before breakfast the bedpan should be offered, the patient's face and
hands should be washed, her teeth brushed, her hair tidied, the bed
straightened, and the room put in order. These services should require a
few minutes only. The room if properly arranged at bed time needs only a
little attention now unless untidy work has gone on during the night;
disorder in a sick-room is as unnecessary in the early morning as at any
other time.

After the patient has finished her breakfast she may rest, or if
allowed, read her mail or the newspaper while the attendant prepares for
her day's work; about an hour after breakfast the patient should be
bathed, unless she prefers her bath in the evening. After the bath some
form of light nourishment should be given, even to a patient who has
regular meals. If a patient is able to sit up in a chair, the best time
for her to do so is generally just after the bath and toilet have been
completed; but if she feels tired she had better wait until afternoon.
The bed room can be better aired and cleaned if it is possible to take
her into another room; and she herself generally profits by a change of
scene.

The doctor should definitely state when and for how long a patient may
sit up for the first time after an illness, and an amateur who may be
ignorant of the dangers involved should not assume the responsibility of
deciding. When a patient is to sit up for the first time, put on her
stockings, slippers, and wrapper before she leaves the bed. Arrange an
arm chair with pillows in the seat and at the back, bring it close to
the bedside and cover it with a large blanket unfolded. The chair may
face either the head or the foot of the bed. Help the patient to a
sitting position on the extreme edge of the bed, with her feet hanging
down. Next, standing in front of her and supporting her well, let her
slip down until she stands upon her feet, then let her turn, and gently
lower her into the chair. See that the patient while sitting up is
warmly covered, and that her foot-stool, pillows, etc., are adjusted
comfortably. Move her chair so that the outlook may be as interesting as
possible, and at least a little different from the v