~Purin-free Diet.~--One in which the foods rich in purin bases are eliminated. This is used in gout, arteriosclerosis, etc.
~Salt-free Diet.~--Diet in which sodium chloride (salt) is as far as possible excluded. It is used in certain cases of nephritis when edema is present.
~Nephritic Diet.~--A diet used in nephritis and diseases complicated by nephritis (scarlet fever). In this diet the protein foods, meat in particular, are restricted, milk being the exception.
~Diabetic Diet.~--A diet in which the carbohydrates are restricted or eliminated.
~"Allen Treatment of Diabetes"~ consists chiefly of "starvation" for a given period and a reëducation of the organs to a toleration for carbohydrates.
~Emaciation Diets.~--Those containing a high percentage of fat-forming foods, such as milk, cream, eggs, cereals, potatoes, etc., olive oil.
~Obesity Diets.~--Those containing as few of the fat-forming foods as possible, such as cream, olive oil, potatoes, white bread, etc., pastry and desserts, candy and soda water, and containing lean meats, fish or shellfish cooked and served without butter or other fats, fresh or stewed fruit without sugar, green vegetables and salads served without oil or other fats; one egg a day two or three times a week, coffee and tea without sugar or cream, toasted gluten bread (1 slice) without butter, saccharine substituted for sugar.
There are a number of other diets, but they come more or less under the above heads.
As the patient's tray assumes an important part of the daily régime, it is necessary to give close attention to the arrangement and serving of it. There are certain definite rules to observe: (1) The linen, silver, glassware, china, and food must be absolutely clean. (2) The tray must be sufficiently large not to appear crowded. (3) The arrangement of the obligatory articles, such as salt and pepper, silver, water glass, napkin, etc., must be alike at every meal; this not only facilitates the service by making it easy for the nurse to see whether any of these necessary articles are left off, but it also enables the patient to find them without trouble.
~The Linen.~--The linen cover of the tray must be clean and uncreased. The napkin likewise must be clean and unwrinkled. The china must be free from chips and cracks. Care must be taken not to put a collection of odd pieces on the tray as it gives an untidy appearance.