Outlines of infectious diseases for the use of clinical students / by James W. Allan.

  • Allan, James W.
Date:
1886
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Outlines of infectious diseases for the use of clinical students / by James W. Allan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    and the exact clay of illness should, if possible, be determined, as this is the key to the case ; by it the phenomena are interpreted. Of course, the prodromata should be carefully recorded, as they help materially in forming a diagnosis. Side light may often be got in doubtful cases by ascertaining the association of the patient with other cases. Inquiry should, for example, be made as to whether there is infectious disease at home ? at school ? in the workshop ? has the patient recently visited any sick person ? lent or borrowed cloth- ing ? etc. In the second place, he should note the patient's present condition, including physiognomy, state of pupils, pulse, temperature,* state of tongue, bowels, and abdomen, character of faeces and urine (the latter being tested, if necessary); if rash is pre- sent, he should note day of appearance, character, and distribution; failing rash, he should examine the skin for (e.g.) stains of the skin, desquamation, * In taking temperatures, the following points should be attended to:—Take care that the index of the clinical thermometer is shaken down before using it; make sure that the axilla is dry before placing the instrument there ; put the bulb carefully into the armpit, and fold the arms so as to keep it in position. The thermometer should be left in the axilla ten minutes or a quarter of an hour. The temperature may also be taken in the groin, mouth, or rectum. The last is the best position ; the time required is shorter, and the observation more reliable. The reading is higher than in the axilla.
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