Nitrous oxide: Difference between revisions

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==Contraindications==
==Contraindications==
Nitrous accumulates in potential spaces and is potentially problematic when there are recent lung or ocular surgery.
''Nitrous accumulates in potential spaces and is potentially problematic when there are recent lung or ocular surgery.''
*Caution should be used when combined with benzodiazepines or other sedatives  
*Caution should be used when combined with benzodiazepines or other sedatives  
*Age less than 4 years and/or weight less than 15 kg
*Age less than 4 years and/or weight less than 15 kg

Revision as of 20:46, 17 May 2023

Overview

  • For minimal sedation or anxiolysis
  • It may be used as an adjunct with local anesthetics for more painful procedures

Indications

  • Older than 4 years and/or weighing greater than 15 kg
  • ASA Class 1 or 2
  • Sole Nitrous Oxide use examples include:
    • Peripheral or Central IV placement
    • Urinary catheter insertion
    • Intramuscular injections
    • Joint aspiration or injection
    • Lumbar puncture
    • Laceration repair
    • Abscess incision and drainage
    • Nail removal
    • Wound packing or dressing change
    • Foreign body removal
  • Nitrous Oxide + opioid or benzodiazepine examples include (smaller dosages should be used initially and titrated PRN)
    • Lumbar puncture
    • Laceration repair
    • Abscess incision and drainage
    • Foreign body removal
    • Simple or minimally displaced fracture reduction

Contraindications

Nitrous accumulates in potential spaces and is potentially problematic when there are recent lung or ocular surgery.

  • Caution should be used when combined with benzodiazepines or other sedatives
  • Age less than 4 years and/or weight less than 15 kg
  • ASA Class 3 or above
  • Closed head injury, recent craniotomy, altered level of consciousness or suspicion of elevated intracranial pressure
  • Penetrating globe injury or recent eye surgery
  • Complex upper respiratory infection (obstructive sinusitis, bullous otitis media)
  • Maxillofacial injuries
  • Acute asthma, bullous emphysema or pneumonia
  • Pneumothorax or chest trauma
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Bowel obstruction or ileus
  • Recent SCUBA diving, barotrauma or decompression illness
  • Pregnancy

Equipment Needed

Procedure

  • Pre-sedation establishment of an IV is not required
  • General monitoring procedures shall be followed
  • Nitrous oxide administration should be limited to 30 minutes
  • Administer 100% oxygen for 2-5 minutes after discontinuing nitrous oxide or if nitrous oxide / oxygen administration is interrupted for > 30 seconds

Complications

  • Asphyxia, if oxygen is not given with the gas
    • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • Confusion
    • Syncope
    • Seizures
  • Chronic toxicity results from B12 inactivation
    • Megaloblastic anemia
    • Thrombocytopenia
    • Peripheral Neuropathy

See Also

External Links

References