Hospital

Work

Hospital work

Taking care of the sick

person is one of the most
important and difficult
tasks.
In the hospital, this is the
responsibility of the nurse.
However, in a private
home,
the
duty
is
shouldered
by
the
members of the family.

Concept on Hospital
Provides the following:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.

Feeding the Sick

Giving Medicine
Getting Body Temperature
Giving a Bath
Bed Making

Work

Feeding the Sick

A. Food for the Sick
Food for a sick person should be selected and
prepared in such a way that it is tasty and easily
digested. Since he is confined either to his bed or
room, he needs less food as compared to active
persons. His weakened condition may make
digestion more difficult. Generally , considered wiser
to omit or use only occasionally sweet foods, rich
foods, highly seasoned foods and fruit foods.
Moderate size of servings of foods like salad, soup
and simple dessert are more tempting in order to
arouse his appetite.

Food given to a sick person must

be selected to:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Provide the nutrients needed by the

body daily
Stimulate all the five senses of the
body
Conserve energy
Make eating an enjoyable experience
Make him realize the importance of
food for his early recovery

Types of Diet
Liquid

Diet
This type of diet is given in order to
furnish easy methods of forcing through
the
body
and
to
supply
enough
nourishment in small quantities. This type
of diet is usually given every two to three
hours.
Milk foods (whole milk, butter milk, malted
milk and cream soup)
Uncooked egg (beaten and sometimes
flavored with fruit juices, cocoa or milk
eggnog)
Cereal foods (gruel using one tablespoon
cereal to one cup water cooked and strained)
Broth (meat, fish, seafoods, or vegetable
broth)
Fruit juices

Soft Diet
This type of diet includes strained or
softened solid foods.

Toast and cereal

Strained cooked vegetable
Soft boiled egg and omelet
Dessert made from milk and
eggs
Mashed banana with milk
Full Diet
This type of diet includes foods
ordinarily eaten by a normal person.
However, foods which are rich, sweet,
fried and highly seasoned foods must
be avoided.

B. Preparing the Sickroom Tray

The food of a sick person is usually
served on a tray. This should look as
attractive as possible to arouse his
appetite. Sick persons are often hard to
please because of the discomfort from
fever or swollen mouth.
1)
Use clean linens to cover the
tray, protect the bed and for the
patient to use
2)
Select dainty table appointments.
3)
Serve dainty portions of food.
4)
Garnish the food attractively.
5)
Decorate the sickroom tray with a
flower, clippings from a funny
story column, toy or animal out of
fruit or vegetable.

C. Serving Food to the Sick

Important points to consider:
1) To arouse the appetite so that the desire to
eat will gradually return. However, the danger
of overeating must always be considered.
2) Regularity of serving the meal.

Tips in serving:

Arrange the food for the sick persons convenience in

eating
It is better to serve a second course than to overload the
tray
Hot foods should be served hot while cold foods should
be served cold
Taste the foods before serving
Place the patient in a comfortable position
A helpless patient should be assisted in eating
Liquid foods may be served though a drinking tube
Give time for the patient to chew and to swallow the food
Give the bed pan or urinal when necessary before the
meal
Entertain the patient while eating with pleasant stories

Giving Medicine
A. Importance of Medicine
Medicine is defined as any substance
needed to treat a sickness or to relive
pain. Legally, this is prescribed by a doctor
after a thorough diagnosis of a sick
person. However, the high cost of medical
fees has forced majority of the Filipino
families to take medicine without the
prescription of a doctor. Most medicines
are prescribed by a relative, friends,
neighbor or classmate. This is a very bad
practice since what is good for one person
may not be appropriate for another
person. One should be extra careful in
taking medicine.

Safety purposes in taking medicines

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

All medicines taken must be

prescribed by the doctor
Medicines may be used basically to
cure sickness
Best medicine is one that is used to
prevent the occurrence of an illness
An ounce of prevention is better than
a pound of cure
In addition to its curative and
preventive effect, it is also needed to
relieve pain. This palliative effect of
medicine is usually abused. This is
the root cause of drug abuse which is
a problem not only of the poor family
but also of the rich family.

Forms of Medicine
Medicine is available in the drugstore in various forms:
1)
2)

3)

4)
5)
6)

Liquid medicine are usually taken by drops, teaspoon or

tablespoon
Powder medicine is mixed with water to make it easier to
swallow. These type of medicine is usually taken by mouth
and washed down with a drink of water. The capsule and pill
are easier to swallow than the tablet because of the outer
covering that prevent one from tasting the medicine.
Capsule small globular or cylindrical container made of
some digestible or soluble material where powdered
medicine or granules of medicine is packed.
Pills medication prepared in small globular disk with
smooth and tasteless surface
Powder a preparation in the form of fine particles
Tablet a preparation where powdered medicine is
compressed and molded into a shape of disk or flat square

Ways of Giving Medicine

1)
2)
3)
4)

Orally through the mouth

Through the rectum by means of suppository or
enema
Through the skin by the application of the
medicine on the surface of the inhalator
Through the tissue by means of injection

Steps in Giving Medicine

Thoroughly wash hands and tools to be used in giving
medicine
Read the label to check on:

Name of medicine
Dosage
Ingredients
Direction in giving medicine
Expiration
Probable effects of the medicine

Give the medicine as directed

Observe the changes on the sick person
Record the following

Date
Time
Dosage
Reactions of the sick person after taking the medicine

Tips in Giving Medicine

Give the medicine on time

Read the label in a well-lighted place
Check on the label 2-3 times
Measure accurately
Use clean and appropriate container
Give the medicine after eating
Prepare the medicine as directed. Avoid using
unlabeled medicine.
Pour medicine from the side of the bottle opposite
the label
Avoid talking while giving medicine

Getting Body
Temperature
A. Body Temperature
The body temperature shows the balance
between the heat produced and the heat lost
by the body. It changes from time to time.

In the morning, the body temperature is

low because of the cool atmosphere.
In the afternoon, the body temperature
rises because of the light that brings
warmth to the surroundings.


Factors
affecting body temperature are:

Presence of infection
Environment
Amount of exercise or work and emotional status

Normal average temperature of the body is as

follows:

Oral (36.1 37.2; 97 99)

Axillary (35.6 36.7 ; 96 98)
Rectal (36.7 37.8 ; 87 100)

Thermometer

An instrument used for measuring the body temperature.

Made of graduated glass tube with a sealed capillary bore
wherein the mercury rises or falls as it expands or contracts from
the changes in temperature.

Two Types of Thermometer used to assess body

temperature:
1) Oral thermometer this
type has slender and longer
bulb so that the mercury
can
be
warmth
more
quickly by the mouth and
usually placed under the
tongue or armpit to register
body temperature.

2) Rectal thermometer
this type has a short and
round bulb so that it is
easier to insert in the
rectum as it is a sensitive
part of the excretory
system.

How
to
Temperature

Take

Body

The body temperature may be taken by

mouth; axilla is commonly used for adults.
Among the children, it is usually taken
through the rectum since they are very
active and movable. Wherever the
thermometer
is
placed,
the
basic
procedure is the same. The only difference
lies on where to place the thermometer to
assess the temperature of the body.

Taking
Mouth

the

Have
the patient lie or sit down

Body

Temperature

Hold the thermometer firmly by the top with the thumb, the index and
middle finger
Shake the mercury down to 5 or 35 below to ensure accurate
temperature
Moisten the thermometer with clear, cool water to make the instrument
easier and more pleasant for the patients to hold in his mouth
Place the bulb of the thermometer under the tongue, a little to one side
Instruct the patient to keep his mouth closed, breathe through his nose
and not bite the thermometer or to talk
Leave the thermometer under the tongue for three minutes to ensure
accurate registration
Wipe the thermometer to remove the saliva using a firm rotary motion
from top downward over the bulb
Read the thermometer where the light is good still holding it by the top
Record the thermometer, clean and keep the thermometer in place

by

Taking the Temperature by the Rectum

The temperature taken by the rectum is
usually approximately One degree higher than
that by mouth. This is because of the large
vessels in the walls of the rectum that bring
warm blood to the area. This is usually used for a
child or infant.
1)

2)
3)

4)

5)

Have the child be either in lateral dorsal

position. Flex the knee if the child is in the
dorsal position.
Hold the thermometer firmly and shake.
Lubricate the bulb end of the thermometer with
oil or cold cream so that it will slide easily into
the rectum.
Slip the bulb end of the thermometer about one
inch into the anus. Hold it in place for three
minutes.
Remove the thermometer. Read and record the
temperature registered. Clean and keep the
thermometer in place.

Taking the Temperature by Axilla

1)
2)
3)

4)
5)

Have the patient sit or lie down.

Hold the thermometer firmly, clean
and shake.
Dry the area under the arm and place
the thermometer. Press his arms
firmly against his body putting his
hands on his opposite shoulder and
hold the thermometer with the bulb
towards the chest for five minutes.
Remove the thermometer. Read and
record the temperature registered.
Clean and keep the thermometer in
place.

Tips in Getting the Body Temperature

Keep the patient comfortable.
Be sure to disinfect the thermometer before
using.
Take the temperature before eating frozen
foods or taking hot soup or beverage.
Allow sufficient time for accurate registration
of temperature.
Verify any marked rise or fall in temperature
by taking it again using another thermometer.

Giving a Bath
A. Importance of a Bath
As a considerable amount of body waste is
eliminated through the skin. It is necessary that it be
kept clean at all times. If the pores of the skin is
blocked with dirt, the body waste cannot be eliminated
easily causing discomfort to the sick person. This
sometimes lead to infection r poisoning of the body.
Therefore, a sick person must be given a daily bath.
This is given preferably in the morning about an hour
after breakfast, just before the bed is made. Basically,
this is given to make the sick person comfortable.

A good bath results to:

Clean skin pores
Body free from germs
Better circulation of the blood
Reduced body temperature
Mild form of exercise

Types of Bath
Basically, a bath is given to a sick person to
make him feel fresh and relaxed. The bath given
may be abbreviated, partial or complete.

Abbreviated bath (face, arm, hands, legs and

feet)
Partial bath (face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs
and feet)
Complete bath (head down to the feet)

Materials and
giving a bath

tools

needed

in

The first step in giving a bath is to prepare all the

materials and tools needed. This will help prevent
exposing the sick person which may cause him to
chill. The following are the materials and tools
needed:

Large basin with lukewarm water

Wash
cloth
for
different parts

Bath soap to clean the germs and

remove the dirt and perspiration

washing

the

Towel to dry the different parts of the body

Rubbing alcohol used for giving massage in

order to give a stimulating effect to the
body

Powder to prevent skin irritation

and to give a refreshing feeling

Blanket to prevent chilling

Pillow to support the head and

upper part of the body

Brush/comb used to massage

the scalp and comb the hair

Rubber sheet to protect the

bed from getting wet

Steps in giving a bath to a sick person

Clean the eyes with gentle but firm strokes.

Wash the inner and outer part of the ears.
Continue cleaning the neck, chest and abdomen. Rinse
and dry the towel.
Continue cleaning the arms and legs.
Clean the legs and feet.
Wash the back of the body down to the buttocks.
Wash external genitalia.
Rub alcohol using firm strokes to aid in the circulation
and check for signs of bed sores.
Apply powder or lotion.
Put on a clean/dress/gown.

Tips in giving a bath

First,

check the body temperature to

know if he is in good condition.
Close windows to prevent chilling.
The best temperature of the water is
about 38 or 110.
Rinse wash cloth as often as possible.
Begin cleaning from top to bottom and
from inner to outer part.

Bed Making
A Desirable Bed
To induce a sound sleep and afford a greater degree of relaxation, a bed
must have desirable qualities. To have these qualities, the first consideration
is the size of the bed. It must have a dimension of about 6 and a half feet
long, 3 and one-fourth wide and 2-2 and a half feet high. Regardless of
materials used, smooth surface is desirable because of the ease in cleaning.
A desirable bed must be clean at all times, the spring must be comfortable
and not sagging. The mattress must permit a more natural and relaxed
posture for an individual in any position he may assume. It must be thick,
smooth or allergy-free of the person to use the bed. The sickness or allergy
of the person to use the bed must be taken into consideration. The
headboard must contribute to both the beauty and comfort of the bed.

Materials in Preparing the Bed

Bed Sheet this should

be long enough to give
allowance for tucking the
four sides of the mattress.
Correct length provides
adequate covering for the
mattress which prevents
unnecessary soiling of the
blanket. Long bed sheets
also protect the sensitive
individual
from
the
possibility
of
some
irritation by preventing it
from touching any part of
the body.

The bed sheet used in making the bed is of three types:

The bottom sheet which is placed

after the mattress cover.

The draw sheet which covers the

rubber sheet.

The top sheet which covers the

draw sheet.

Mattress Cover this is made of heavy

cotton. It is needed to protect the
mattress from dust and dirt.

Rubber sheet this is placed on top of the

mattress cover in order to protect the
mattress from getting wet. The rubber
sheet should be wide enough to cover
approximately.

Pillow the choice of pillows must take into

consideration individual needs. The size of the
pillow will depend upon the individual large pillows,
others prefer small ones. Another important
consideration is the allergic reaction of individual to
some materials used in making pillows.

Pillow case the most important

consideration on the selection of a
pillow case is the material from which
it is made. The most appropriate
materials is cotton as it is absorbent
and
washable.
Pillows
require
frequent cleaning, sunning and airing.
Above all, it must fit the pillow on
which they are to be used.

Bedspread this is the top covering used to dress the bed. It is

usually removed before using the bed and placed after using the
bed. The bedspread is used at daytime to protect it from dust or
microorganism.

Procedure of Preparing the Bed

Preparation
1)
2)

Prepare all materials needed.

Wash your hands to prevent contamination of
materials used for bed making.

Actual Preparation of the Bed

1) Dust the different parts of the bed.
2) Cover the mattress with a mattress cover.
3) Place the bottom sheet with a centerfold at the
center of the mattress to prevent it from
touching the floor.

4) Place the rubber sheet (if needed) to cover two-thirds of the

mattress.
5) Place the draw sheet, using the same procedure as in the
bottom sheet.
6) Place the top sheet on top of the draw sheet using the same
procedure as in the bottom and draw sheet.
7) Cover the pillow with the pillow case and place it on the upper
part of the bed just in front of the head board.
8) Place the blanket with the centerfold at the center of the
mattress. Fold the upper part of the blanket horizontally
downward to leave one-thirds of the bed covered. Tuck in the two
sides, leaving one side for the individual to enter when making
use of the bed.

9) Cover the bed with bedspread to protect it from dust and

dirt.
10) Give the finishing touches to make the surface smooth
and the edges well tucked in.

Steps to ensure well-mitered corner

Tuck the sheet well under

the mattress at the two
heads of the bed.
Lift the sheet at the
corner, marked A and
bring it along the side of
the mattress.
Grasp the sheet in the
upper part marked B and
brings the points directly
up, releasing the sheet at
A.

 Tuck

in the lower part of

the sheet that hangs
below the mattress.
Bring B down. Pull firmly
and tuck under the
mattress. The part
marked C should be
even with the edge of
the mattress.

Tips on Making the Bed

Bedding must be clean and dry.

Pillow cases should be changed at least once a day.
Bed linens should never be allowed to come in contact with the
floor.
Rubber sheets should be rolled to prevent it from cracking.
Top sheet should be changed as often as possible.
Place pillows under the sun to kill the germs and to keep it dry.
Beddings must be free from wrinkles, stains, and tears.
Keep the pillow of various sizes adds comfort.
Colored beddings give life and enjoyment to the individual
using the bed.