title: Nitrous oxide at higher elevations.
abstract: Because patients given 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen failed to show any significant clinical response, a mixture of 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen was administered to 124 patients at an altitude of 5,280 feet in the emergency department at Denver General Hospital. Seventy-five percent of the patients were 25 years of age or younger. Twenty-two (17.7%) had minimal or no response, while 71 (57.3%) had good to excellent response. More than 20% of the patients received concomitant analgesic medications. Six patients experienced side effects during administration. Of these patients, four had received narcotic medication prior to administration of nitrous oxide. The mixture of 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen was safe and effective in treating juvenile and adult patients presenting with pain in the emergency department at a higher elevation.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000531:Altitude; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D010146:Pain
chemical_list: D009609:Nitrous Oxide