Public Relations Begins with You

Abstract

time, the catheter is attached to a drainage bottle and irrigated every four hours. On the fifteenth or sixteenth postoperative day; the catheter is removed and therafter catheterization is carried out only by specific order from the attending surgeon. When the catheter is removed the patient is allowed out of bed, the diet is changed to a general or house diet; and a laxative such as sodium phosphate is administered. If necessary, a glycerine suppository may be inserted to induce a bowel movement. Pulmonary complications and embolic phenomena may occur. The nurse should remember that deep breathing by the patient and systematic exercise of the extremities aid materially in the prevention of these complications. The nurse should remember the mental as well as physical care of the patient. Women who undergo repair of vaginal fistulas are concerned about the successful outcome of the operation and a to ove fr ely in bed. A this , t e catheter is a tached to a drainttle and i rigated every four hours. e fift enth or sixteenth postopera ; the catheter is removed and thoughtful nurse can do much to encourage them and help to allay any fear or anxiety they may have. The period of hospitalization is about twenty-one days. On discharge, the patient is instructed to maintain a fluid intake of at least ten glasses daily. In order to keep the vaginal tract clean, she is advised to take a douche of vinegar or boric acid solution every other day. It is well to caution her about keeping the douche equipment clean and to insert the tip carefully just inside the introitus. She should be advised to avoid unusual strain or exercise and to resume her normal activity gradually.