during colds, because they are communicable; during general fatigue,
headaches, digestive upsets, and painful menstruation, because rest and
quiet are highly desirable. Visitors at such times too frequently give
injudicious sympathy, and may actually delay the recovery of patients
who enjoy playing the role of interesting invalid.

The time when a trustworthy visitor is present may be the best time for
the attendant to rest. The patient should be told when the attendant is
going, and approximately when she will return. It is a mistake to slip
away while the patient sleeps; she seldom fails to wake before the time
scheduled and to resent the desertion. Surprises of any kind, pleasant
or unpleasant, are seldom good for patients.

Toward the end of the afternoon the patient is probably tired,
especially if she has not slept during the day. When fever is present
her headache and restlessness increase as the day goes on, but it should
be remembered that uncomfortable beds and too heavy covers cause much of
the restlessness attributed to fever. Rubbing the back and legs with
alcohol, giving a tepid sponge bath, remaking the bed or changing her
position may help to soothe her.

The evening should be kept free from excitement, and every possible
effort should be made to encourage sleep. It is a mistake to think that
a better night results from keeping a sleepy patient awake all the
evening; sick people should sleep when they can. Just before bedtime the
attendant should prepare her own cot, and then make the following
preparations for the patient to sleep: wash the patient's face and hands
or give a sponge bath if it is desired, brush the hair, change the night
gown, brush crumbs from the bed, tighten the sheets or remake the bed if
necessary, rub the back and other pressure points with alcohol, shake
the pillows, give liquid nourishment, preferably hot, cleanse the mouth,
and give the bedpan. See that the patient's feet are warm, the bed
covers right, the room ventilated properly and in good order, and the
light extinguished or arranged for the night. If the patient is inclined
to be wakeful a hot foot bath may help her, or sponging the entire
length of the spine for fifteen minutes, using very hot water and long
downward quiet strokes. No conversation should be encouraged during
preparations for the night. Patients in bed all day often lose the habit
of sleeping at the regular time, and lie awake far into the night from a
v