Module 2 Part 4 Nitrous Oxide

What is Nitrous Oxide Analgesia?

A blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen gasses

• also known as laughing gas

• Is combined with local anesthetic.

• Is delivered through a nasal hood

What are some characteristics that make N2O/O2 (nitrous Oxide) desireable (terminology). ?

• Analgesic: raises the patients pain tolerance/threshold

• Amnestic: Allows patient not to remember much of the appointment

• Anxiolytic: Provides a sedative effect (calm, relaxes patient)

What is the best thing to do to manage a patient with anxiety other than the nitrous oxide?

Ensure the patient feels heard

What is Minimal sedation as it pertains to nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is used for the management of anxiety and pain

• Uses LESS than 50% of N2O/O2 nitrous oxide

What is moderate sedation as it pertains to nitrous oxide 

Nitrous oxide that is used in a surgical environment 

• Uses OVER 50% N2O/O2

What are other positive general qualities of Nitrous Oxide?

• Has rapid effects

• No loss of concousness

• fast recovery

• TITRATION: being able to administer incrementally

• minimal side effects

• easy to administer

• safe

Wat is the color of the N2O tank and the O2 tank?

N2O: Blue

O2: Green

What are some key pint to the administration of Nitrous Oxide?

Tidal Volume: Starting with 100% O2 to establish the amount of air inhaled and exhaled. (2-3 min)

Titration: deliver the N2O/O2 incremenally

Ensure patients breathes only through their nose

What are some things that should be done after administering nitrous oxide?

• DO NOT LEAVE PATIENT

• monitor resovoir bags

• monitor gauges

• monitor and observe patient

What is diffusion hypoxia and how is it prevented?

This is when the patient has a decreased level of oxygen that the patient may experience after the nitrous oxide is removed. 

Prevented with the administration of 100% O2 for a full 3-5 minutes after the termination of N2O administration

Can assistant administer and initiate Nitrous Oxide?

No but they can PREPARE AND OBSERVE