A Plan for Teaching Patients in S.D.A. Hospitals II

"The Plan for Inci­dental Teaching of the Patient" in last month's issue Of THE MINISTRY you probably thought how simple it was, and how simple the teaching content. Yet it is surprising how many of the young nurses, or students of nurs­ing, do not know or understand the principles of our health or spiritual beliefs well enough to explain them to others. It is even more surpris­ing when one considers that these same young people have studied in our academies and have had at least one year in college, during which time they took courses in health principles and religion.

When students are asked such questions as, "What can I do to get more sleep?" or "Why don't you smoke?" or "Why isn't meat served?" or "Why don't you nurses wear make-up?" some-may answer. "It is a policy of the institution."

One probable reason for this seeming lack of understanding is that previously many young people have been on the passive side of edu­cation, and have grown up taking many of our truths for granted. In class it was "old stuff" to them. Now suddenly they are challenged in in an active situation to answer for what they believe, and a new motive for learning is found.

In order that students may become aware of content and problems that might arise, each one may be assigned a question that might be asked by a patient in one of our hospitals. The student then prepares for and gives a four-minute discussion in answer to the question. A partner acts as patient during the discussion, asking questions that could baffle an unprepared nurse. Students are amazed at how many points can be made in such a short time, and soon they are asking one another for copies of the points made. Then they request a duplicated outline of all the topics! During the discussions students evaluate one another for content, preparation, nurse-patient relationships, and psychological principles used in getting the point across.

Examples of questions with reply suggestions are included here:

I. PHYSICAL HEALTH

A. "How can I make myself go to sleep?"

1. Proper distribution of work, play, and rest, with regular habits.
2. A warm or neutral bath calms the emotions.
3. A well-ventilated, cool room, with a warm bed, helps to induce sleep.
4. Overcome self-pity and get away from the "I am so sensitive" attitude. This will prevent noise from disturbing.
5. Consciously relax all over, starting with the toes, the feet, the legs, et cetera. Make each part "heavy."
6. Engage in light, wholesome reading, or a quiet, pleasant activity, before retiring.
7. Calm down shortly before retiring. Serious or exciting thoughts should be laid aside.
8. Have sufficient exercise during the day.
9. Avoid fear that you are not going to sleep; such fear often keeps one awake.
10. Avoid heavy evening meals, mental work, exciting games, moving pictures, emotional states, such as fear, anger, worry, disappoint­ment; all these make sleep difficult.

B. "What is the value of all these water treat­ments?"

I. Depends on how the water is used; hot and cold and their combinations produce different effects.

1. Extremes of heat and cold can produce tonic or stimulating effects, increasing the circula­tion and other bodily functions.
2. Neutral baths produce a sedative effect, lessening vital activity, and are conducive to re­laxation and rest.
3. Heat may be used for the relief of pain.
4. And for the relief of muscle spasm.
5. Generalized use of steam or moist heat may be used to hasten excretion from the kidneys, the skin, and the lungs.
6. A hot foot bath may be used for warming the feet, and by reflex action relieve headache or pain in the lower abdomen.
7. Cooling baths may be used to reduce fever.
8. Frequent bathing not only cleanses but also maintains skin tone.
9. The proper use of water promotes health and produces healing.

C. "What can I do to have better elimination?"

1. Regular time each day for elimination.
2. Increase bulk in the diet (prunes, figs, dates, apples, grapes.) Prunes also contain a chem­ical substance that aids.
3. Vitamins, especially thiamine, as found in whole wheat, rye, and bran, help maintain the general tone of the intestinal tract.
4. Frequent drinking of water-0 to 8 glasses a day-is recommended.
5. Water or fruit juice before breakfast stimu­lates peristalsis.
6. Exercise every day.
7. Avoid cathartics and indiscriminate use of enemas; they weaken the walls of the in­testines.
8. Limit the use of refined sugars, which inhibit intestinal action.
9. Positive emotional health. Worry may cause intestinal retardation.

D. "Why should I get up? I don't feel like it."

1. To prevent onset of weakness, which comes with prolonged bed rest.
2. To strengthen the organ muscles.
3. To send vitalized blood to the extremities.
4. To increase vitality.
5. To improve circulation.
6. To aid in the work of digestion.
7. To aid in regaining health.
8. To improve the action of the heart.
9. To improve morale and mental hygiene.

E. "Why don't they serve meat here?"

1. All the elements of nutrition that are neces­sary for our bodies are contained in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains.
2. The diet appointed man in the beginning did not include flesh foods, and man had a better physique then than he has now.
3. Those who eat flesh are but eating food secondhand. It is better to get it direct.
4. The animals whose flesh is sold are often diseased. What is obviously diseased is thrown out, and the rest is sold on the market.
5.  Susceptibility to disease is increased tenfold by meat eating.
6. Effects of flesh foods may not be immediately recognized. Many die of diseases wholly due to meat eating, and the real cause is not suspected.
7. Flesh food has a stimulating effect-it tends to irritate the nerves and excite the pas­sions.
8. The common use of flesh has a deteriorating influence upon the morals as well as on the physical constitution.
9. Those who are waiting for Christ's coining endeavor to make their bodies as nearly per­fect as possible.
10. It is easier to follow the text, ^-Whether there­fore ye eat, or drink, . . . do all to the glory of God," if flesh eating is not indulged.

F. "Why can't I have my coffee [or tea] for break­fast?"

1. Tea and coffee are classified as drugs, since they are a direct stimulant to the heart.
2. Any stimulant used over a period of time promotes physical degeneration.
3. Stimulants help a person forget fatigue, but the tired body that would otherwise be calling^-for rest is made to continue to work.
4. Tea and coffee accelerate the basal metabo­lism rate between 10 and 20 percent.
5. Uric acid in the blood and urine is increased thereby.
6. The heart beat is accelerated, with an en­larged volume of blood per beat. This makes the heart work harder and increases respira­tion.
7. The nervous system is less accurate and the ability to learn is retarded.
8. In some instances tea and coffee may be the cause of gastrointestinal disturbances.
9. Used over a period of time, tea and coffee produce nervous excitement, headache, wake­fulness, palpitation of the heart, indigestion, and trembling.

G. "/ wish I could stop drinking."

1. You must have a sincere will to stop, coupled with the power of God.
2. Alcohol is the direct and principal cause of certain mental diseases.
3. Even in moderate quantities, alcohol causes disturbance in the brain's action.
4. Alcohol is a poison and is no longer classed as food. Its use lowers resistance to disease and shortens life.
5. While the immediate reaction feels stimulat­ing, the actual effect is that of an anesthetic and depressant.
6. Reasoning power and judgment are impaired.
7. Alcohol makes for unsafe driving.
8. Alcohol enslaves a person.
9. Alcohol adversely affects a man in his busi­ness, personal, and family life.
10. Alcohol affects the circulation and places extra work on the heart, causing undue fa­tigue.
11. God cannot dwell in a heart defiled by al­cohol.

 H. "Why don't you smoke?"

1. Nicotine affects the nervous system, causing a person to have less energy and to tire more easily.
2. There is a direct effect on the circulation.
3. Vision is affected after a person has smoked over a long period of time.
4. The heated smoke may cause irritation of the mouth, tongue, pharynx.
5. The effect upon the central nervous system forms a basis for the development of the tobacco habit.
6. There is a decrease in mental efficiency.
7. Handlers of tobacco are susceptible to skin afflictions from tobacco.
8. Money can be used for more worth-while purposes.
9. The smoker is often not considerate of others.
10. "For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them."

II. MENTAL HEALTH

A. "Nobody cares; nobody understands me."

1. Develop a sense of humor. Don't take your­self too seriously.
2. Learn to use will power positively.
3. Work is a great cure for worry.
4. Do things for other people.
5. A study of nature helps a person gain proper perspective.
6. Tolerance of others helps overcome petty whims.
7. Join community activities.
8. Good literature is diverting, but books of excitement and imagination make a person become dissatisfied with his lot.
9. Develop a philosophy of life that will con­tribute to well-being, and practice it.
10. God understands. Religion helps in releasing stress and tension to an outside Power.

B. "What's the use of living?"

1. God has a purpose in permitting the crea­tion of each individual.
2. Happiness and satisfaction are derived from doing good to others.
3. It pleases God to know we are reaching out to perfect our character, our thoughts, and actions.
4. God has made our body His temple. We should therefore keep it undefiled.
5.  The making of friends is a foretaste of heaven.
6. God's glory in nature brings sunshine to the lives of those who will look for it.
7. Nature is full of inspiring revelations.
8. The great and precious promises in the Bible should give us a radiant philosophy of life.
9. The thrill of bringing Christ to others and seeing the change come in their lives will furnish enthusiasm for living.

C. "What makes you nurses so different?"

1. We are Christians, and we try to live as Christ would have us.
2. We try to do our work wisely and well, re­membering that in the daily duties we are serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. We believe in Bible prophecy, which helps us understand the problems in the world around us and gives us a positive philosophy of life.
4. We try to be cheerful and calm, avoiding excitement.
5. We try to eat a balanced, nourishing diet.
6. We do not use stimulants or narcotics, be­cause they irritate the stomach and excite the nerves.
7. We don't drink liquor because of its depress­ing and demoralizing effect.
8. We don't participate in exciting amusements such as movies and dancing, so we usually get adequate sleep.
9. We try to dress simply and appropriately, not drawing attention to ourselves by the use of jewelry and make-up.
10. We want others to know of the joys we have in Christianity.

D. "How can I go on living, with this handicap?"

1. To look at the handicap optimistically is the first step toward success.
2. The handicap will not ruin the chances of success in life, but the attitude toward it may.
3. Many have accomplished great things in life in spite of serious handicaps, for example, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Alec Templeton, Helen Keller.
4. Others will look to you and treat you as you expect to be treated.
5. The handicap may be a means of broadening your horizon.
6. Try to think of other things. Do not dwell on your own troubles.
7. Your sympathy and understanding can be a great source of comfort to those in trouble.
8. This handicap may be used of God in the development of a character fit for heaven.
9. The Father in heaven loves and cares for you and will give all the strength needed to face the hardships.

III. SPIRITUAL HEALTH

A. "How can I be a Christian?"

1. We are powerless to change our lives without the help of God.
2. We must first seek the help of the Saviour and accept His guidance.
3. We must recognize our sin and be willing to admit our failures.
4. We must have sorrow for our sin.
5. We must repent of our misdeeds. We cannot renounce sin unless we recognize its sinful­ness.
6. We must confess our sins to God, and to our fellow men if we have wronged them.
7. We must make restoration for anything ob­tained dishonestly.
8. After surrender to God, we may claim His promise that He will not allow any tempta­tion to come to us that we are not able to bear.
9. Christ willingly gave His life for sinners, and we must accept His gift to us.
10. By yielding to Christ we become allied with the strongest power in the universe.
11. Love God and your fellow men and keep His commandments-this is all He asks.
12. Pray in faith.

B. "Why is the business office closed on Saturday?" I. The seventh day is the Sabbath.

1. The Sabbath is a day of rest from work, as revealed in God's command, and in Christ's example.
2. A day to worship God.
3. The Sabbath is a spiritual sign between God and man.
4. Since it is God's day, we refrain from doing our business or pleasure on His holy day.
5. Sabbaths here are representative of Sabbaths on the new earth.
6. Sabbath is from evening to evening on the seventh day.
7. God is particular. The Sabbath is kept as He desires, because of love for Him.

C. "How do you know there is a God?"

1. Testimony of the Bible. Testimony of ful­filled Bible prophecy.
2. Testimony of the change Christianity makes in the lives of people.
3. Testimony of answered prayer.
4. Testimony of life in man.
5. Testimony of the stars.
6. Testimony of the universe.
7. Testimony of animal life.
8. Testimony of plant life.

D. "How can you think God is a God of mercy, when He lets this tragedy happen to me?"

1. Sin, tragedy, and death all come from Satan.
2. Sin originated with Satan. Adam and Eve yielded to Satan and thus brought sin to the world. God could have destroyed sinners, but He wants men to serve Him in love and not from fear.
3. All things work together for the best for those who love God.
4. God allows trials to come that we may realize how helpless we are.
5. If only pleasant experiences came our way, we would soon become self-sufficient and for­get God and our need for Him.
6. Death is a mystery and God alone holds the key. In His wisdom He sees fit to permit some to rest. We cannot understand this mystery, but we can trust Him until He Himself will explain His purpose to us.
7. God in His love sent His Son to die for our sins, that we might have life through Him.
8. God could have destroyed the world, but in His love He allowed sin to continue so that all might have a chance to learn of Him, and to understand sin's nature and results,
9. The gift of eternal life is given to those who believe in Jesus.
10. Doubting God in a time of trouble is like rejecting a lifeboat when shipwrecked.

E. "My mother Passed away. I wonder where she is now."

1. Death is as a sleep, for example. Jesus said, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth."
2. The dead cannot praise God, cannot hope for the truth.
3. The dead know not anything.
4. The very day a man dies his thoughts perish.
5. The dead will not be raised out of their sleep as long as this world lasts.
6. At the second coming of Christ the righteous dead will be raised. Together with the right­eous living, they will be rewarded with eter­nal life. The wicked will eventually receive their punishment, which will be eternal in effect.
7. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Rev. 14:13).
8. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Ps. 116:15).

F. "Why do you believe Jesus is coming?"

1. Christ promised He would come again. If we accept His first coming to earth and His sin­less life, we must accept His promise.
2. God loves us. God sacrificed His Son so that His people might be saved.
3. The second coming of Christ is mentioned more than 2,500 times in the Bible. To deny the fact of His coming would be to disbelieve the Bible.
4. Angels told the apostles that Jesus would come again in the same way He went to heaven.
5. There have been stupendous advances of knowledge. Inventions have increased more in the past one hundred years than in the pre­ceding two thousand.
6. In view of the distress and perplexity of na­tions, even the victors of wars are perplexed.
7. Signs in the sun and moon and stars have been fulfilled.
8. These signs prepare people to recognize that the end of all things is near.
9. Social conditions of the last days will be simi­lar to those of the days of Noah. "As in the days of Noe . . ."
10. Signs in nature and elements include famines, pestilences, and earthquakes.

(To be continued)