Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
Published on: January 13, 2018
Ceasing routine use of nitrous oxide-a follow up
M Enlund1, L Edmark, B Revenäs
1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Central Hospital, SE-721 89 Västerås, Sweden. mats.enlund@ltvastmanland.se
Background:
The role of nitrous oxide in modern anaesthesia is questioned. The routine use of nitrous oxide was almost completely stopped in our department after November 1, 2000, and we now report some consequences.
Methods:
Staff completed a questionnaire after 6 months, and we analysed the use of hypnotics and opioids after 12 months. The cost of drugs for the year after stopping nitrous oxide was compared with the cost 2 yr before.
Results:
Less than half of the 55 staff members who answered the questionnaire used nitrous oxide in the 6 months after the stop, and they did so on only a few occasions. Half of the staff members thought the benefit of nitrous oxide was small. Most supported the change. The use of opioids was stable during the study period, and there was an annual increase of 12-14% in the use of hypnotics during the 3 yr.
Conclusions:
The staff questionnaire showed a strong acceptance of the new policy, and the use of other anaesthetic agents did not increase as expected. Has the value of nitrous oxide been overestimated?
Related Concept Videos
Administering Oxygen by Nasal Cannula
Nasal Cannulas
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split into two prongs placed in the nostrils, connected...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
Administering Oxygen by Mask
Administering oxygen by mask is a common nursing intervention that provides supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or chronic lung conditions. This procedure involves delivering oxygen at a specified rate through a face mask connected to an oxygen source.
Equipment
The equipment necessary for this procedure includes:
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
