title: Safe use of medical gases in the clinical setting: practical tips.
abstract: For a variety of reasons, nurses, midwives and health visitors may have to be involved in administration of many types of medical gases. In order to provide safe and effective care the nurse must be aware of the implications of his/her practice. This article discusses and describes the many types of medical gases available in clinical practice. The article focuses on four commonly used gases: oxygen, air, nitrous oxide and entonox. Practical tips are offered and the focus is made on the safe and effective use of the gases. Details regarding the storage and administration of medical gases are outlined. Finally, some of the potential dangers associated with the gases are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Department of Adult Nursing and Health, University of Hertfordshire.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Peate
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lancaster
mesh_terms: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009740:Nursing Staff; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation