Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
05:46
A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects
Published on: May 4, 2021
5.7K
Clearing the Air: Nitrous Oxide in Australian Paediatric Practice
Isabella Natale1, Shefali Jani2,3, Eduardo Alcaino4,5
1Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Reducing nitrous oxide (a greenhouse gas) in Australian paediatric care requires measuring emissions, improving supply systems, and exploring alternatives to balance clinical use with environmental impact.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Medical Gases
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Nitrous oxide is a widely used anesthetic in pediatrics.
- Concerns exist regarding its environmental impact as a greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance.
- Healthcare nitrous oxide emissions are significant, often from non-clinical sources like leaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nitrous oxide provision, use, and processing in Australian pediatric practice.
- To identify issues associated with nitrous oxide use in pediatrics.
- To evaluate the clinical utility against the environmental impact of nitrous oxide.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of primary and secondary research.
- Inclusion of non-anesthesia pediatric uses.
- Consultation with pediatric emergency, anesthesia, and dental experts.
Main Results:
- Need to quantify the nitrous oxide 'gap' for effective emissions targeting.
- Strategies for transitioning away from centralized pipeline systems are identified.
- Consideration of alternative approaches across the nitrous oxide lifecycle.
Conclusions:
- Modifications in nitrous oxide supply are essential for sustainable healthcare.
- Efficient clinical application and exploring viable alternatives are necessary.
- Responsible and sustainable healthcare practices require addressing nitrous oxide use.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
955
Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...
955
01:18Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
1.5K
The enteral drug administration involves three primary routes: oral, sublingual, and buccal. Oral ingestion is the most prevalent, safe, economical, and convenient method for drug administration. However, it has certain drawbacks, including limited absorption due to the drug's low water solubility or poor membrane permeability, possible emesis from GI mucosa irritation, destruction of drugs by digestive enzymes or low gastric pH, and irregular absorption along with food or other drugs.
1.5K
01:29Administering Oxygen by Nasal Cannula
2.4K
Oxygen therapy is critical to patient care, especially for those struggling with respiratory issues. This intervention increases the oxygen concentration in the lungs, enhancing the amount of oxygen transported to the body's tissues. One standard method of delivering supplemental oxygen is through a nasal cannula, a non-invasive device that provides low to medium oxygen concentrations.
Nasal Cannulas
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split into two prongs placed in the nostrils,...
Nasal Cannulas
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split into two prongs placed in the nostrils,...
2.4K
01:26Oxygen Delivering System I: Nasal Cannula and Face Mask
1.4K
The human body requires oxygen to function, and when the natural process of respiration is hindered, external devices, including the following, are needed to help deliver this vital gas.
Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split at one end into two prongs and placed in the nostrils. It is typically used to deliver low to medium levels of oxygen.
Suggested flow rate: The suggested flow rate for a nasal cannula typically ranges between 1 and 6 L/min.
Oxygen percentage setting:...
Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split at one end into two prongs and placed in the nostrils. It is typically used to deliver low to medium levels of oxygen.
Suggested flow rate: The suggested flow rate for a nasal cannula typically ranges between 1 and 6 L/min.
Oxygen percentage setting:...
1.4K
01:24Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
546
Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.
546
01:30Administering Oxygen by Mask
1.9K
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:
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:
1.9K