Nitrous Oxide (Not in CT Protocols)

Question 1

Nitrous Oxide
Classification

Answer 1

Analgesic
Anesthetic Gas

Question 2

Nitrous Oxide
Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

NMDA (Glutamate) R antagonist-blockage of neuronal signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the brain, creating dissociative anesthesia, euphoria, and analgesia

Question 3

Nitrous Oxide
Onset of Action

Answer 3

2-5 min

Question 4

Nitrous Oxide
Peak Effects

Answer 4

2-5 min

Question 5

Nitrous Oxide
Duration of Effect

Answer 5

2-5 min

Question 6

Nitrous Oxide
Half-life

Answer 6

5 min

Question 7

Nitrous Oxide
Indications/Field Use

Answer 7

Acute musculoskeletal pain
Pain associated with burns
Ischemic chest pain

Question 8

Nitrous Oxide
Contraindications

Answer 8

-AMS secondary to drugs, alcohol, or head injury
-Inability to comprehend verbal instructions
-Patients with COPD, abdominal pain/distention, or thoracic injury suspicious for pneumothorax
-Facial trauma

Question 9

Nitrous Oxide
Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Answer 9

Dizziness
Light-headedness
AMS
Hallucinations
N/V

Question 10

Nitrous Oxide
Adult Dose

Answer 10

50/50 mixture O2 and nitrous oxide-self administered until the patient notes relief or drops the mask

Question 11

Nitrous Oxide
Precautions

Answer 11

-Use only in well ventilated areas
-May be impossible to administer in temps less than 21 degrees F

Question 12

Nitrous Oxide
Drug-drug interactions

Answer 12

May potentiate other CNS depressants including narcotics, sedatives, hypnotics, and alcohol