Use of Entonox in the community for control of procedural pain.
Nitrous oxide gas, mixed 50:50 with oxygen, is an effective and safe analgesic which, although widely used in many areas of clinical practice, has not been fully recognized in the community setting for painful procedures. The reasons why it has not been implemented and used to the patient's advantage have been suggested as apathy, lack of confidence, lack of knowledge and lack of resources. The author describes how, following a review of the literature pertaining to its use in other clinical areas, she has successfully introduced nitrous oxide/oxygen into her trust, with positive results.
Evans
Andrea
A
Carmarthenshire NHS Trust, Carmarthen, UK. andrea@vikki35.freeserve.co.uk
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D019162:Anesthetics, Combined / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001458:Bandages / Q000009:adverse effects; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010100:Oxygen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D010147:Pain Measurement; D018579:Patient Selection; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications
D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; C001147:Entonox; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen