Student Question

What were the medicine instructions for Schatz in "A Day's Wait"?

Quick answer:

Schatz was prescribed three types of medicine: one to reduce fever, a laxative, and another to treat an acid condition that promotes the flu. He was instructed to take these capsules at specific intervals with water. Although Schatz was reluctant to acknowledge his illness, he followed the doctor's instructions and took his medication as prescribed, despite his anxiety and doubt about its effectiveness.

Expert Answers

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The doctor diagnosed Schatz with the flu and left him three kinds of medicine. One was to reduce his fever, one was a laxative, and one was to treat an acid condition, which was said to foster an environment which encourages the flu. The instructions involved taking the capsules at different, specific time intervals. He is also instructed to take his capsules with water. Schatz doesn't seem very eager to participate in his treatment or admit that he's sick, but he does as he is asked, taking his capsules at the times prescribed by the doctor and checking his fever. Eventually Schatz gets anxious about his temperature, though he shows doubt that the pills will help. Still, he continues to take them anyways.

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