Entonox

Question 1

Composition and Properties

Answer 1

Entonox is an analgesic gas.

It is a 50:50 mix of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) & Oxygen (O2)

It is stored under pressure in cylinders.

Question 2

Entonox Cylinders

Answer 2

CD Cylinders.
White with blue and white shoulders = 440 litres.
Marked Entonox.

Question 3

Component Parts

Answer 3

Mouthpiece or mask.
Filter.
Demand valve.
High pressure hose.
Schrader connector.

Question 4

Advantages

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Indications for use

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Contra-indications for use

Answer 6

Severe head injuries with impaired levels of consciousness.

Decompression sickness/Caisson’s disease (the bends).

Violently disturbed psychiatric patients.

Question 7

Cautions for use

Answer 7

Chest injuries and other conditions where a pneumothorax is suspected.

Question 8

Cautions

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Documentation

Answer 9

Entonox is a drug.

All use of entonox must be documented on PRF.

Ensure that the hospital staff know the patient has had Entonox.

Question 10

Entonox

Answer 10

NOO