will, as a rule, adjust itself when the
cause of the fever has been removed. At times, however, it is
necessary to make an effort to tempt the appetite of the patient when
convalescence is established, that recovery may be made more rapid and
complete.

~Care of the Mouth.~--Probably there is nothing more essential in the
treatment of fevers in general and typhoid fever in particular than
the care of the mouth. Well-nourished patients rarely ever show the
dry, cracked tongue and lips that was formerly one of the common
occurrences in typhoid fever. However, in any febrile condition the
mouth is apt to acquire a disagreeable taste; this "bad taste" is so
prominent in certain cases as to render it difficult for the patient
to eat. This can be, to a great extent, eliminated by the use of
aseptic mouth washes. When the patient is not strong enough to rinse
the mouth before and after eating, the nurse must use a swab for the
purpose. The food must be carefully selected and attractively served
and every effort made to make food as dainty and palatable as
possible.

~Thirst.~--Thirst is relieved with crushed ice, fruit beverages, and
carbonated waters. In certain conditions it is necessary to limit the
fluids, but in typhoid fever the giving of the requisite amount of
liquids is one of the most difficult tasks confronting the nurse. It
is wise to find out the beverages particularly liked by the patient
and, whenever it is possible, make use of them. As a rule alcohol is
not necessary in the diet of typhoid fever patients. However, in
certain cases of that disease, as well as in febrile conditions
induced by other causes, the use of alcoholic stimulation may be
necessary; it must be left to the discretion of the physician to
prescribe it.

SUMMARY

~Intestinal Disturbances~ are accountable for the majority of the
fevers of short duration during infancy and childhood, and in many of
those cases in adults.

~Malaria~ causes an elevation of temperature which is, as a rule, of
short duration.

~Contagious Diseases~, such as scarlet fever, measles, whooping cough,
and mumps, are likewise accompanied by more or less elevation of
temperature.

~Treatment~ consists of a period of rest in bed, with an abstinence
from food, in order that the disease may manifest itself, and also
that any offending food material which may cause the fever may have an
opportunity to pass out of the body.

~The Heart~, in some of the diseases