Flashcards in Entonox Deck (10)
1
Composition and Properties
Entonox is an analgesic gas.
It is a 50:50 mix of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) & Oxygen (O2)
It is stored under pressure in cylinders.
2
Entonox Cylinders
CD Cylinders.
White with blue and white shoulders = 440 litres.
Marked Entonox.
3
Component Parts
Mouthpiece or mask.
Filter.
Demand valve.
High pressure hose.
Schrader connector.
4
Advantages
Pain relief is rapid.
Minimal side effects.
No cardiac or respiratory depression.
Analgesic effect rapidly reverses.
50% oxygen content is valuable in many medical or trauma conditions.
5
Indications for use
Any patient who is complaining of pain where Entonox is not contra-indicated.
Examples of when use is beneficial include Fractures/Sprains/Dislocations/Chest pain.
6
Contra-indications for use
Severe head injuries with impaired levels of consciousness.
Decompression sickness/Caisson's disease (the bends).
Violently disturbed psychiatric patients.
7
Cautions for use
Chest injuries and other conditions where a pneumothorax is suspected.
8
Cautions
Nitrous oxide begins to separate from oxygen when the temperature falls below about -6C.
Before use cylinders should be stored horizontally for 24 hours at a temperature above 10C.
If this is not practicable the cylinders must either:
a) be maintained at a temperature above 10C for at least 2 hours.
b) placed in warm water for 5 minutes and then completely inverted 3 times.
9
Documentation
Entonox is a drug.
All use of entonox must be documented on PRF.
Ensure that the hospital staff know the patient has had Entonox.
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