Sick nursing / by H. Drinkwater.

  • Drinkwater, H. (Harry), 1855-1925
Date:
1907
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Sick nursing / by H. Drinkwater. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    FEVER Fever means an elevation of the temperature of the body above what is called the “ normal temperature,” or that of health. I’he normal temperature of the body, when taken in the axilla, or armpit, is 98-6°. The temperature of internal parts, such as the mouth, is about one degree higher. A temperature beloiv the normal is called “ subnormal.” It may be taken in the armpit, the fold of the groin, or the mouth. In the two former situations the skin should first be dried, and the thermometer left in for about five minutes. When placed in the mouth the lips must be kept closed all the time. The temperature should not be taken within half an hour of a warm or cold bath ; nor in the mouth soon after drink- ing anything hot or cold. Now compare a “wall” and a “clinical” thermometer a little more closely, and it will be observed that as the tem- perature falls, the upper limit of the mercury in a wall ther- mometer falls with it. But a clinical thermometer continues to indicate the highest temperature reached, and it will be seen that it does this by means of a separate small column of mercury on the top of the rest. This small portion is called the “ index,” and does not go down unless it is shaken down forcibly. It is necessary immediately before taking a patient’s temperature to see that the index is shaken down below the normal point. A patient, then, is feverish if his temperature exceeds 98'6°, but this does not imply neces- sarily that his disease is “ a fever,” properly so called. By a fever is meant a disease running a definite course and com- municable from person to person or—in common language— infectious or “ catching.” An infectious disease is caught in IS
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