Nitrous oxide

Question 1

Nitrous oxide- Name

Answer 1

Nitronox

Question 2

Nitrous oxide- Class

Answer 2

Analgesic gas mixture

(50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen)

Question 3

Nitrous oxide- MoA

Answer 3

Provides rapid relief from pain by depressing the CNS

Vasodilator

Question 4

Nitrous oxide- Indication

Answer 4

Pain relief

Question 5

Nitrous oxide- Contra

Answer 5

Altered level of consciousness

Abdominal trauma or pain

Alcohol or drug intoxication

COPD

Chest injury with possible pneumothorax

Pulmonary edema

Pulmonary embolism

Moderate to severe shock

Head injury

Question 6

Nitrous oxide- S/E

Answer 6

Neurological: lightheadedness, decreased LOC, hallucinations

Respiratory: respiratory depression/arrest

Gastrointestinal: nausea/vomiting

Question 7

Nitrous oxide- Routes

Answer 7

Inhaled

Question 8

Nitrous oxide- A. Dose

Answer 8

Self-administered by patient with hand-held mask until pain is relieved or patient drops mask

Question 9

Nitrous oxide- P. Dose

Answer 9

Self-administered by patient with hand-held mask until pain is relieved or patient drops mask

Question 10

Nitrous oxide- Extras

Answer 10

Precautions: Need to monitor level of consciousness and airway closely

Interactions: Other CNS depressants will potentiate the effects

Onset is immediate and may last 5 minutes

Ensure ambulance is well vented to avoid inhalation by Paramedic.

Patient should be placed immediately onto high flow oxygen following administration.

May not operate properly at low temperatures.

Common drug of misuse and abuse.