Entonox

Question 1

What is entonox

Answer 1

50% Oxygen, 50% Nitrous Oxide
Colourless inhaled gas

Question 2

Contraindications of entonox

Answer 2

Severe head injuries with impaired consciousness
Decompression sickness (scuba diving)
Violently disturbed psychiatric patients
An eye injection of gas in the last 8 weeks
Abdo pain where bowel obstruction is suspected

Question 3

Cautions of entonox

Answer 3

Any patients at risk of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitonium.
(Polytrauma and penetrating torso injury)

Question 4

Safety checks for entonox

Answer 4

Ensure all hands are clean and free from oil or grease
Check cylinder isn’t in sever damage
Check the date label

Question 5

Storage of entonox

Answer 5

Entonox will seperate at temperatures of -7 degrees
Needs to be stored horizontally
If it’s cold gas will need to be mixed by inverting and reverting the canister

Question 6

Effects of entonox

Answer 6

Should start to work within a minute. Peak effect is anywhere from 3-5 minutes.

The pt should feel some relief very quickly but they must continue taking it

Question 7

Side effects of entonox

Answer 7

Euphoria
Disorientation
Sedation
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Generalised tingling