A contrivance easily made and very useful in nursing cases where the
patient is to be kept in the semirecumbent or sitting position, as,
for instance, in pneumonia, or in operations on the upper abdomen, is
arranged by taking a broomstick with the broom part sawed off. Wrap
around this stick a blanket, large pillow, or something to make it
resemble a knee bolster. Place this under the knees of the patient,
and to each end of the broomstick attach a stout cord, which may be
securely tied to the bed-posts at the head of the bed. This will add
to the comfort of the patient in preventing the constant sliding down
which is so difficult to prevent. It will also save the nurse a great
deal of tugging and lifting.