Using nitrous oxide and oxygen to control pain in primary care
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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects
Published on: May 4, 2021
1Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust.
Abstract:
Improving pain control is an area where nurses have the clinical expertise to make a significant difference to the quality of patient care. The inhaled analgesic 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen is ideal for use when undertaking short, potentially painful procedures as it is a safe and effective method of pain relief. Many patients in the community require procedures that can be extremely painful. This article describes how this analgesic has been successfully introduced throughout a PCT, through collaborative working between acute pain nurses based in the hospital setting and community nurses.
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