AFTER EVENTS.

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume IV, Issue 1, 1 January 1911, Page 32

AFTER EVENTS.

Leilah Gordon

(a) Post operative haematemesis.

(b) Phlebitis and thrombosis of two portions of varicose veins, to inner side of left knee.

With regard to the hsematemesis, the amount of blood lost was not really great ; but vomiting was frequent and distressing, and on its account it was not possible to feed the patient for several days (nutrient enemata being given). Haematemesis was controlled by adrenalin locally, calomel m small doses, until purgation followed, and haematemesis finally disappeared after free lavage. g

(c) The rise of temperature on the sixth day shown on chart was no doubt due to the phlebitis, which was evidently aseptic. The vein involved was greatly enlarged, forming a bunch as large and about the shape of a fist. When the clot became firm two small areas of apparent softening occurred. These were opened, but proved to contain sterile serum only. After events have shown that this untoWard occurrence resulted m the complete cure of the varicosity. When the rise of temperature was noted infection of uterine cavity was at first feared. Several iodine and alphozone douches were given

and continued, until the real cause of the rise was manifest.

From the sixth day the patient, showed signs of improvement and continued to do well, recovery at end of a month being very satisfactory indeed. Patient said she never felt better m her life."

Now a few words about our Caesarian baby girl, who was born asphyxiated, and only showed signs of life after being worked with for one-and-a-half hours, all the various methods of artificial respiration being used m succession. Even after breathing was evidently well established it was found necessary to waken her and make her cry, as she did not seem to be particularly anxious to remain with us.

Our baby only weighed five-and-a-half pounds at birth. We fed her hourly at first, anel gave her the care and attention that was necessary m other ways, and m a few days her cry was very much stronger. For a time she was breast fed, but latterly we had to supplement, a suitable grade of humanised milk being given. However, we were very proud that the mother found herself able to at least partly feed her child. The little one continued to improve, and at the end of the month she had ga : ined over one-and-a-half pounds m weight.

About a week after the operation a valuable sheep dog belonging to the homestead was accidently run over, anel the doctor thought it advisable to operate on the eye, which had been very much injured. Again we were bending over instruments and chloroform, and the eye being duly fixed up, the clog was then carefully carried to its kennel when it sueldenly collapsed. Again doctor, myself and others were calleel to assist, and artificial respiration was kept up for about an hour, out m the bitter cold. At last the dog came round and immediately starteel to snap at one and another, evidently not too pleased to be again m our company.

However, " All's well that ends well," and when finally leaving this little country home we had the satisfaction of knowing that we had left the family well and happy, including the dog.