Such instances might be multiplied
_ad infinitum_ if necessary.
[34] This is important, because on this depends what the remedy will be.
If a patient sleeps two or three hours early in the night, and then does
not sleep again at all, ten to one it is not a narcotic he wants, but
food or stimulus, or perhaps only warmth. If on the other hand, he is
restless and awake all night, and is drowsy in the morning, he probably
wants sedatives, either quiet, coolness, or medicine, a lighter diet, or
all four. Now the doctor should be told this, or how can he judge what
to give?
[35]
[Sidenote: More important to spare the patient thought than physical
exertion.]
It is commonly supposed that the nurse is there to spare the patient
from making physical exertion for himself--I would rather say that she
ought to be there to spare him from taking thought for himself. And I am
quite sure, that if the patient were spared all thought for himself, and
_not_ spared all physical exertion, he would be infinitely the gainer.
The reverse is generally the case in the private house. In the hospital
it is the relief from all anxiety, afforded by the rules of a
well-regulated institution, which has often such a beneficial effect
upon the patient.
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