Nitrous Oxide (Not in CT Protocols) Flashcards
Nitrous Oxide
Classification
Analgesic
Anesthetic Gas
Nitrous Oxide
Mechanism of Action
NMDA (Glutamate) R antagonist-blockage of neuronal signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the brain, creating dissociative anesthesia, euphoria, and analgesia
Nitrous Oxide
Onset of Action
2-5 min
Nitrous Oxide
Peak Effects
2-5 min
Nitrous Oxide
Duration of Effect
2-5 min
Nitrous Oxide
Half-life
5 min
Nitrous Oxide
Indications/Field Use
Acute musculoskeletal pain
Pain associated with burns
Ischemic chest pain
Nitrous Oxide
Contraindications
-AMS secondary to drugs, alcohol, or head injury
-Inability to comprehend verbal instructions
-Patients with COPD, abdominal pain/distention, or thoracic injury suspicious for pneumothorax
-Facial trauma
Nitrous Oxide
Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Dizziness
Light-headedness
AMS
Hallucinations
N/V
Nitrous Oxide
Adult Dose
50/50 mixture O2 and nitrous oxide-self administered until the patient notes relief or drops the mask
Nitrous Oxide
Precautions
-Use only in well ventilated areas
-May be impossible to administer in temps less than 21 degrees F
Nitrous Oxide
Drug-drug interactions
May potentiate other CNS depressants including narcotics, sedatives, hypnotics, and alcohol