A primer of psychology and mental disease : for use in training-schools for attendants and nurses and in medical classes, and as a ready reference for the practitioner / by C.B. Burr.

  • Burr, C. B. (Colonel Bell), 1856-1931.
Date:
1906
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A primer of psychology and mental disease : for use in training-schools for attendants and nurses and in medical classes, and as a ready reference for the practitioner / by C.B. Burr. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    tion of accessible portions of the body, by cold sponging to the face and neck, or by the application of water warm or cold to the forehead. Bear in mind to offer drinking water at frequent intervals to one in this un- comfortable situation. Seclusion.—The isolation of a patient may be ex- pedient for his own benefit, or for the good of others. When done, this should be with as little demonstration and display of force as possible, and only after due warning has been given. The course may be necessary; first, because of noisy and disorderly conduct; second, in hysterical patients as a measure of good (lack of self-restraint in these cases always being greater when the patient is among other people) ; third, because of obscenity or indecency; fourth, to withdraw the nerv- ous subject from perturbing influences and thus dimin- ish mental confusion.1 Patients in seclusion should be visited frequently. After quietly unlocking the door (doors should always be unlocked quietly) the key should be withdrawn and placed in the pocket before the door is opened. Both hands of the nurse are then free. The practice of un- locking a door and pushing it forward, hand on key, is 1 Epileptic patients during confusional states are frequently benefited by confinement to bed. Noise and disorder are les- sened, and, fewer percepts coming into consciousness, reaction, as manifested in impulsive assaults, is diminished. After secluding the patient, the door should be locked quietly and without ostentation, or may be left unlocked if it is believed that the patient will respect the injunction to remain within the room.