Understanding Nurses' and Physicians' Knowledge, Use and Perspectives on Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Use in Paediatrics: A
Valentina Simonetti1, Beatrice Gullo2, Ilenia Stracci3
1Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. D'annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Background:
Nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2 50%/50%) is an effective and safe technique for procedural sedation in paediatric settings; however, the knowledge, use and perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding N2O/O2 remain limited.
Aim:
To investigate the knowledge, use and perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding N2O/O2 in maternal-infant and emergency units.
Study Design:
A cross-sectional study was conducted (March to December 2024) using (i) a sociodemographic information tool and (ii) a 16-item questionnaire assessing knowledge, clinical use, perceived barriers and willingness to adopt N2O/O2. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed.
Results:
Of 113 respondents, 40.7% reported currently using N2O/O2 in their clinical units, while 91.0% of non-users expressed willingness to adopt it. Barriers included lack of equipment (92.9%) and training (84.1%). 91.1% considered N2O/O2 ethically acceptable, consistent with principles of beneficence, non-maleficence and child comfort. Employment in emergency units and holding a three-year nursing degree were significant predictors of N2O/O2 use.
Conclusions:
Limited Use of N2O/O2 in Italian Paediatrics Contrasts With Strong Professional Interest. Improving Training and Resources Could Enhance Access to Safe Paediatric Sedation.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Training, equipment and guidelines are needed to translate willingness into real clinical practice, improving the safety and consistency of paediatric sedation.
More Related Videos
05:46A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects
Published on: May 4, 2021
07:15Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation
Published on: December 5, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:08Obedience
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:20Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
01:26Oxygen Delivering System I: Nasal Cannula and Face Mask
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:...
01:29Administering Oxygen by Nasal Cannula
Nasal Cannulas
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split into two prongs placed in the nostrils, connected...
01:30Administering 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: