PAIN CONTROL, NITROUS & NON-INJECTABLES Lisa Mayo, RDH,
BSDH DH102 Clinic II Concorde Career College
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Reference Wilkins CH37 Mosbys Handout
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Topics for Today 1. Pain Psychology and Characteristics 2.
Non-injectable Anesthesia: Oraquix, Cetacaine & Topical 3.
Nitrous Oxide
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#1: Pain Psychology and Characteristics
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Pain Psychology and Characteristics Pain: sensation of
discomfort resulting from the stimulation of specialized nerve
endings called nociceptors (free nerve endings) Pain perception:
process whereby the sensation of pain is transmitted from the
periphery to the CNS Pain reaction: result of pain perception. What
a person will do about the perceived pain Pain-reaction threshold:
amt of pain one must experience before exhibiting a reaction
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Pain Psychology and Characteristics Pain rxn and threshold
varies person to person Pain perception Functional unit: neuron or
nerve cell Type of nerve cells: unipolar, multipolar Bipolar:
transmit dental pain perception Sensory neuron characteristics Cell
body, nucleus, axon, free nerve endings (nociceptors) Fiber
diameters: vary, determines speed of impulse conduction and type of
pain perceived
Pain Psychology and Characteristics Pain rxn and threshold
varies person to person Pain perception Neuron Fibers (A&C) A
Fibers: 3-20 microns Myelinated Rapid conduction Require a greater
concentration of anes to be blocked Last to be blocked and first to
regain sensation C Fibers: 0.5-1 microns Nonmyelinated Slow
conduction
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C Fibers A Fibers Block 1 st Regain 2 nd Block 2 nd Regain 1 st
Have to know this!
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Pain Psychology and Characteristics Resting nerve cell membrane
Membrane potential: difference in the electrical charge across the
nerve membrane Membrane potential maintained by Sodium-potassium
pump Permeability of the cell membrane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcZLtH-Uv8M Ions essential to nerve
conduction: K +, Na +
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Pain Psychology and Characteristics All or None Law Either the
nerve fires as strongly as possible or it does not fire at all
Minimal threshold stimulus Stimulus: environments change that can
be chemical thermal, mechanical electrical Minimal threshold
stimulus: magnitude of the stimulus required to initiate a nerve
impulse or action potential All-Or-None Law: once the minimal
threshold stimulus has been reached, the impulse will travel the
entire length of the fiber without stimulation
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NBQ During an action potential, once the minimal threshold
stimulus has been reached, the impulse will travel the entire
length of the fiber without stimulation. This explains: a. Pain
perception b. Pain reaction threshold c. Absolute refractory period
d. Membrane potential e. All-or-none law
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NBQ During an action potential, once the minimal threshold
stimulus has been reached, the impulse will travel the entire
length of the fiber without stimulation. This explains: a. Pain
perception b. Pain reaction threshold c. Absolute refractory period
d. Membrane potential e. All-or-none law
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Pain Psychology and Characteristics Excitation When minimal
threshold stimulus excites the nerve The permeability of the cell
membrane changes Influx Na + enters the cell Efflux K + diffuses to
the outside of the cell Depolarization Time interval that exists
when ionic concentration are reversing Na enter into the cell (NBQ,
exam ques) Reversed polarity Result of a reversal in ionic charges
Repolarization Occurs after reversed polarity Membrane becomes
hyperpermeable to K + and impermeable to Na + K will leave cell
(NBQ) Polarity is re-established
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NBQ The period of time during an action potential of a neuron
where potassium becomes hyper- permeable to the cell and sodium
becomes impermeable is defined as: a. Depolarization b.
Repolarization c. Hyperpolarization d. Refractory period
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NBQ The period of time during an action potential of a neuron
where potassium becomes hyper- permeable to the cell and sodium
becomes impermeable is defined as: a. Depolarization b.
Repolarization c. Hyperpolarization d. Refractory period
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Pain Psychology and Characteristics Excitation Action potential
Rapid sequence of changes in the membrane potential (negative to
positive, then positive back to negative) Depolarization: results
in reversed polarity Repolarization Absolute refractory period
Period during depolarization and reversed polarity when the cell
membrane cannot be re-excited Relative refractory period During
repolarization, the nerve cell membrane can be re- excited, but it
requires a greater stimulus than the stimulus required for
excitation from the resting state
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Nerve Communication https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnKMB11ih2o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnKMB11ih2o
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Pain Psychology and Characteristics Pain Intensity determined
by # of fibers stimulated Anatomy of the area Dimensions of the
area being stimulated Frequency of excitation Duration of
stimulus
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Pain Psychology and Characteristics Factors affecting pain
reaction threshold Emotional state: greater anxiety and negativity
= lower pain rxn threshold Fatigue: greater fatigue = lower pain
rxn threshold Age: younger = lower pain rxn threshold Nationality
Highest: American Indian Lowest: Latin Americans, Southern European
Gender: variable
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Pain Psychology and Characteristics Pain control mechanisms: 5
ways to control, part of DH care plan, goal = utilized before the
patient experiences pain 1. Remove the painful stimulus: patient
avoids dental appointment; clinician corrects faulty, pain-causing
instrument technique. 2. Block the pathway of the pain message:
local anesthetic, topical anesthetic 3. Prevent pain reaction by
raising pain reaction threshold: Nitrous oxide-oxygen conscious
sedation; nonopioid analgesics such as nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 4. Depress central nervous system:
general anesthesia 5. Use psychosedation methods (also called
iatrosedation): nonpharmacologic technique that reduces patient
anxiety, builds a trust relationship, or lets the patient feel more
in control. May be used alone or may be combined with pharmacologic
pain management
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Drugs To Aid in Pain Reduction Nonopioid analgesics: OTC
analgesics are an effective adjunct for preventing or reducing the
mild to moderate discomfort Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Aspirin (but
risk bleeding) NSAIDs (Non-steroidal antiinflammatory) Drugs of
choice for dental pain Ex: Ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen Actions
Block prostaglandin synthesis at peripheral nerve endings to
inhibit generation of pain message Suppress onset of pain Decrease
pain severity Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic
Noninjectable Anesthesia Indications for use Adults only, not
been studied in children Pockets where profound pulpal anes not
necessary Needle-phobic patients Contraindications Amide allergy
Methemoglobinemia Armamentarium and pharmacology Cartridge of 1.7g
lidocaine + prilocaine Blunt-tipped applicator
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1.) Oraquix Lidocaine + Prilocaine gel Common name = Oraquix
Amide (just like local anes) Used on adults who require limited
pain control during root planing in perio pockets Effectiveness
limited in deep pockets with more moderate to severe bone loss Need
to record in chart and make Dr aware If Dr was to use anes as well,
need to know so to avoid medical emergency (cannot overdose on
anes)
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Anesthetic Gel Gel contents Anesthetics: 2.5% lidocaine and
2.5% prilocaine amide Polyxamers: thermosetting agents pH adjuster:
hydrochloric acid Purified water Gel characteristics Low viscosity
fluid at room temperature Gel at oral temperature
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Technique Administration Dispense a thin layer of the
anesthetic gel at the gingival margin Wait 30 seconds Insert
blunt-tipped applicator into the subgingival pocket, dispense
product until pocket begins to overflow, then repeat in adjacent
area Treatment time Onset: 30 seconds Duration: 20 minutes with a
range of 14-31 minutes Maximum dose: 5 cartridges per appointment
If local anesthetic is used, will need to add amt of Oraquix
carpules used to avoid overdose
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Oraquix Set-Up 3-13
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Opened Items 3-13
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Needle and Carpule 3-13
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Loaded Handle and Ready To Go! 3-13
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You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_Cb-a9Hmsc
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2.) Cetacaine Combo of benzocaine, aminobenzoate &
tetracaine hydrochloride Esther topical: esthers have more
propensity for allergic rxns than amides Indicated in adults who
require pre-injection, deep scaling, suture removal anesthesia
Available in spray, liquid, gel foam If use as spray: when patient
inhales has immediate absorption Need to have patient hold their
breathe while spray
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Cetacaine
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3.) Topical Anesthesia Drug applied to the surface of the
mucous membrane to produce a loss of sensation Short acting Not a
substitute for local anes Indications for use DH visits where local
may not be necessary Prevention gag reflex during x-rays,
impressions or procedures Probing if patient discomforted Suture
removal
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Topical Anesthesia Absorption of drug Varies with thickness of
stratified squamous epithelial covering, degree of keratinization
Highly resistant: skin, lips, palatal mucosa Absorb slowly Attached
gingiva, buccal mucosa (thick tissues, tissue over bone) Prompt
absorption Tissue without keratinization (soft), such as vestibular
mucosa or over the pterygomandibular space (inferior alveolar,
lingual, buccal)
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Agents Used in Surface Anesthetic Preparations Benzocaine or
ethyl aminobenzoate Ester type 20% formulation Most widely used
Liquid, gel, ointment, spray Not readily absorbed into circulation
Potential for toxicity is minimal May cause allergic rxn esp
w/prolonged use
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Agents Used in Surface Anesthetic Preparations Tetracaine
hydrochloride Ester type Combo of drugs in liquid, gel, and
controlled-dose spray Readily absorbed causing deeper penetration
Longer effect More potential for toxicity Should not be used over a
large area
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Agents Used in Surface Anesthetic Preparations Lidocaine and
lidocaine hydrochloride Amide Only amide used alone as a topical
(NBQ) Ointment, spray, and transoral patch, and in combination with
prilocaine Toxicity unlikely from topical alone but would be
additive with other amide anesthetics
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Agents Used in Surface Anesthetic Preparations Lidocaine
Transoral patch Delivery system that uses a bioadhesive patch to
improve the duration of contact between the topical and oral soft
tissue Provides profound soft tissue anesthesia as well as minimal
pulpal anesthesia in some cases
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Agents Used in Surface Anesthetic Preparations Dyclone or
dyclonine hydrochloride Ketone type 0.5 or 1% formulation from a
compounding pharmacy Available as a liquid As a gargle, it is good
for gag reflex suppression Slow onset, up to 10 minutes Long
duration, up to 1 hour
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Application of Topical Patient preparation: consult med hx for
allergies Application technique Surface application: Topical is
applied with a cotton-tipped swab or cotton roll Excess topical is
removed by rinsing or gentle wiping Tissue needs to be dried
first!!
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Application of Topical Aerosol spray NEVER direct completely
towards the throat Transoral patch Air dry the tissue for 30
seconds, apply the patch, and hold in place with firm finger
pressure for an additional 30 seconds Apply for 5 to 10 minutes
prior to most procedures May be left in place for up to 15 minutes
Injections should not be given through a patch, remove prior
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Transoral Lidocaine Patch Placement 2-4mm apical to free
gingival margin
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Completion of Topical Anesthetic Application Wait appropriate
length of time for anes to take effects Limit drug exposure: apply
only to area of need, use smallest effective amount Remove residual
after application Record topical drug information in patient
record
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#3: Nitrous Oxide
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Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Synonymous terms Conscious sedation
Patient is always awake and able to respond to verbal commands
Protective reflexes are intact including the ability to maintain an
open airway, breathe automatically, and cough so that aspiration is
avoided Inhalation sedation Nitrous oxide and oxygen gases are
inhaled through the nose
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Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Synonymous terms Nitrous oxide
psycho-sedation Acts on the CNS in such a way that pain impulses
are not relayed to the cerebral cortex or the interpretation of
pain impulses is altered Relative analgesia Refers to the state of
sedation produced Alters the mood and increases the pain reaction
threshold but does not totally block pain sensations
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Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Produces analgesia, reduced anxiety Loss
or reduction on pain sensibility without loss of consciousness
Achieves optimum analgesia 30% - 40% nitrous oxide for most
patients The need for higher or lower concentrations depends on
individual biologic variability Nitrous heavier than air, colorless
sweet smelling, nonirritating and non-allergenic Nonflammable but
will support the combustion of flammable substances
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Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Relatively insoluble in blood Primary
saturation of blood occurs in 3-5 minutes The gas molecules at the
alveoli-blood interface and blood-brain interface pass readily to
the tissue with the lowest concentration of nitrous oxide Results
in rapid onset and recovery Results in potential diffusion hypoxia
at completion of sedation procedure if 100% oxygen is not
administered Condition in which the body or a region of the body is
deprived of adequate oxygen supply Not metabolized in the body,
remains unchanged in blood and tissues Enters and exits almost
entirely through the lungs
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Nitrous Oxide enters and exits primarily through LUNGS
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Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Nitrous INSOLUBLE in the blood = does not
attach to a hemoglobin molecule by displacing oxygen and/or CO 2
Because of this = nitrous has a very FAST onset of action in the
body Also has a very FAST way to eliminate
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Nitrous Procedure Diffusion hypoxia If patient is returned
directly to room air rather than 100% oxygen, diffusion hypoxia can
result Nitrous oxide diffuses into an area of lower concentration
more rapidly than oxygen, causing inadequate oxygen in the alveoli
if the patient is not given supplemental oxygen at the completion
of sedation Hypoxia can result in patient discomfort or syncope
Inadequate post-sedation oxygen may result in a feeling of lethargy
or headache
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Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Chemistry Nitrous oxide properties Stored
as a liquid at 650-900lbs per square inch (psi) in a blue cylinder
and delivered as gas The contents of the N 2 O cylinder cannot be
determined by the pressure gauge until it is almost empty Colorless
Tasteless Sweet-smelling Non-explosive but supports combustion If
you put a flame to the tank, it will explode! Have to do something
to nitrous tank to make it explode
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Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen NB Alert Nitrous abuse (high doses for
prolonged periods of time) can lead to a deficiency in vitamin B-12
due to its interaction with the enzyme methionine synthase Enzyme
is necessary for DNA synthesis and erythrocyte production
Deficiencies in B12: pernicious anemia and megaloblastic
anemia
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Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Chemistry Blood-gas solubility coefficient
Blood-gas solubility coefficient of nitrous is 0.47, which means
that 100mL of blood dissolves 47mL of nitrous This blood-gas
solubility coefficient accounts for the rapid onset and recovery
from the effects of the analgesic Nitrous is 15x more soluble in
the blood than nitrogen, nitrous displaces nitrogen in blood If
nitrous does get into the blood, very insoluble Passes primarily in
and out of lungs Nitrous does not compete with oxygen and carbon
dioxide in combining with the hemoglobin molecule
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Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Chemistry Oxygen (O 2 ) Stored as a gas in
a green cylinder and delivered as a gas Contents of the oxygen
cylinder can be determined by reading the pressure gauge
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Equipment Cylinders Blue: nitrous Green: oxygen
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Pharmacology No effects on heart rate, blood pressure, liver or
kidneys Nitrous can be used for long periods of time as long as
adequate amt of oxygen is delivered simultaneously Nitrous affects
all sensations such as hearing, touch Nitrous reduces the gag
reflex but does not eliminate it
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Physiology Nitrous works by depressing the CNS The exact
mechanism of action is unknown, however the effect results in
either altering the relay of nerve impulses to the cerebral cortex
or causing them to be interpreted differently Patient experiences
reduced anxiety & increased tolerance to pain Pain perception
is not blocked
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Stages of Anesthesia Stage I: Analgesia Stage Patient feels
pain but is not bothered by it 3 planes: first 2 are appropriate
for DH care Stage nitrous-oxide oxygen sedation keeps pt in Stage
II: Delirium or Excitement Stage Hyper-responsiveness to stimuli
Exaggerated inhalation and loss of consciousness Stage III:
Surgical Anesthesia OMS 4 planes Stage IV: Respiratory Paralysis
Patient no longer breathing independently
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Indications for Use Mild apprehension Refusal of local anes
Allergy to local anes Hypersensitive gag reflex Intolerance for
long appts Cardiac conditions Asthma Cerebral palsy
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Contraindications to use Pregnancy: controversy on nitrous use
Communication difficulties Sign language, special needs, age
(dementia) Nasal obstruction COPD (emphysema, bronchitis) Cystic
fibrosis Pacemaker (unshielded) Multiple sclerosis Emotional
instability Negative response to past experience Reformed drug and
alcohol abusers
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Contraindications to use Patients on CNS agents: nitrous can
combo w/their effects and can send patient into conscious/general
sedation 1. Benzodiazepines: valium, xanax, ambien. Valium life is
20-60HRS (longest life of all drugs on this list). Ambien 2-3HRS 2.
Barbiturates 3. Anticonvulsants 4. Antidepressants: Bupropion
(Wellbutrin) 5. Antipsychotics
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Contraindications to use Recent eye/ear surgeries Eye: surgery
will drain eye, Drs use a gas to fill it back up once stitches
removed. In meantime you use nitrous gas will fill any voided space
Ears: Eustachian tubes Respiratory obstruction: sinusitis Nose,
ears, eyes, throat, etc
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Advantages of Use Hx cardiovascular disease: oxygen enrichment
coupled with stress reduction Simple, relatively safe procedure to
perform Minimal equipment No restraining straps or pharyngeal
airway Patient awake and responsive Rapid onset and recovery No
need for someone to bring or take patient home No post-op tests No
food restrictions pre-op (would be best to avoid a very heavy meal)
No need to spend time in a recovery room
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Disadvantages of Use Over-sedation causes vertigo, nausea,
vomiting (emesis) Difficult behavioral problems cannot always be
managed Instrumentation of max ant region difficult due to position
of the mask
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Signs and symptoms of nitrous oxide- oxygen sedation Objective
signs: directly observed by patient Awake, lessened pain rxn,
drowsy, relaxed Normal eye and pupil rxn, normal respiration,
normal BP & pulse Minimal movement of limbs Flushing of skin,
perspiration Little to no gagging or coughing Speech infrequent or
slow
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Signs and symptoms of nitrous oxide- oxygen sedation Subjective
symptoms: reported by the patient Mental and physical relaxation
Lessened pain awareness Indifference to time and surroundings
Floating sensation Warmth Tingling or numbness Sounds seem
distant
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Tag System for Cylinders
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Equipment Gas machine Yokes Flowmeter Pressure gauge Reservoir
bag Portable or piped into tx rooms
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Equipment Gas delivery system Regulator or reducing valve
Converts high pressure of gas in the cylinders to a usable, lower
level Subject to extreme high temperature if compressed gas
cylinders are opened quickly
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Equipment Gas delivery system Flow meter: Visual indicator of
liters per minute (L/min) flow of oxygen and nitrous oxide Gas flow
rates of nitrous oxide and oxygen are adjusted independently The
sum of the two is the total gas flow rate A total combined gas flow
rate is established and the respective concentrations of the two
gases are adjusted concurrently
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Equipment Gas delivery system Reservoir bag Reservoir of gases
to accommodate an exceptionally deep breath Allows for
visualization of respirations for monitoring May be used to provide
oxygen in assisted ventilation if attached to a full face mask with
relief valve Conducting or breathing tubes
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Equipment: Tubing
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Equipment Mask 2 hose scavenger systems reduce the nitrous
exhaled into the air & breathed in by the operator Scavenging
systems reduce environmental nitrous contamination from 900-30
parts per million (ppm) Max allowable contamination in health care
environment is 50ppm Good fit around patient nose is a must
Disposable or sterilizable
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Mask
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Equipment Set-Up Nasal mask Select the appropriate size for
optimum comfort and minimum gas leakage Attach to tubing Scavenger
system If a portable unit without pre-plumbed scavenger system Our
clinic has this system Connect, usually to high-speed volume
evacuation, and activate system Adjust setting of scavenger system
Turn on gas cylinders Open slowly, first oxygen, then nitrous oxide
Centralized gas systems are turned on at the beginning of the
day
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Equipment: Handling Handle carefully No grease, oil, lubricant,
or hand cream around the cylinder valves or any fittings that come
in contact with the gases Store vertically on a rack or in another
stable and secure manner Open cylinder valves slowly in a
counterclockwise direction
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Safety Measures Color-coded tanks: blue & green Pin index
system Ensures that the nitrous cylinder does not fit into the yoke
that holds the oxygen cylinder, and vice versa Diameter Index
system Diameter of hole at top of cylinder fits only with
corresponding cylinder head Audible alarm system: when oxygen runs
out Automatic turnoff: when oxygen is depleted Oxygen maintained at
2-3L at all times in most units Oxygen flush: fills reservoir bag
with 100% oxygen
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Pressure Gauge Pin Index System
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Nitrous Procedure Establish volume of gas flow: RDH CAN DO 100%
oxygen Gas flow rate 5-7 L/min for adults 3-4 L/min for children
Place nasal hood, adjust for comfort; patient may assist in
positioning Adjust flow using the inflation of the reservoir bag
and feedback from the patient
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Nitrous Procedure Titration Individualized drug dose is
determined by increasing the percentage of nitrous oxide in small
increments until the optimum sedation level is achieved based on
clinical signs and symptoms. Start titration at 10-15%
concentration of nitrous oxide Because of the rapid uptake of
nitrous oxide in the lungs and distribution through the body, the
effect of each dose can be assessed after 1-2 minutes More next
slide
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Nitrous Procedure Titration Observe the patient for signs of
relaxation or other changes, ask the patient what is felt Adjust
dose: Increase or decrease the nitrous oxide by 5% to 10% when the
optimum individual dose has not been achieved Wait 1 to 2 minutes
and reassess Repeat as needed TEXAS: CAN ONLY DECREASE, NOT
INCREASE! 70% of patients = 30-40% nitrous oxide range At high
altitudes, greater nitrous oxide concentrations will be needed
because of the change in the partial pressure of the gases
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Nitrous Procedure Titration Continue to monitor and adjust the
concentration throughout the appointment As the appointment
proceeds or during less anxiety- producing parts of the
appointment, a lower dose may be more comfortable Avoid excessive
fluctuations Never leave a sedated patient unattended Sedation can
become deeper without some stimulation or interaction
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Nitrous Procedure Recovery Return the patient to 100% oxygen
for at least 3-5 minutes or longer if needed for full recovery
Signs of recovery Patients report of feeling back to normal
Comparable pre-sedation and post-sedation vital signs Factors
affecting recovery time Biologic variation Duration of sedation
procedure Concentration of nitrous oxide administration Generally,
the more nitrous oxide administered, the longer the recovery
time
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Nitrous Procedure Dismissal follows full recovery Usually the
patient is able to return to all normal activities, including
driving
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Record keeping and documentation Documentation will vary
according to state laws Most should include Tidal volume in Liters
Amt of nitrous in L or % Amt of oxygen in L or % Duration of
sedation and recovery with oxygen flush Total gas flow rate (L/min)
Oxygenation period: Flush with oxygen at end of appt and for how
long BP at beginning and end of appt Statement of patients recovery
status and any post care instructions given Summary of patients
response to nitrous oxide can be helpful for subsequent
appointments
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Occupational Exposure Chronic occupational exposure to nitrous
oxide may have deleterious effects on health Potential health
problems Reduced fertility with as little as 3-5 hours of un-
scavenged nitrous oxide exposure per week Spontaneous abortion
Increased rate of neurologic, renal, and liver disease Decreased
mental performance, audiovisual ability, and manual dexterity
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Occupational Exposure Recommended exposure levels Consensus not
been reached, currently no exposure standard National Institute
Occupational Safety and Heath recommended no more than 25ppm during
administration Methods for minimizing occupational exposure
Effective scavenging system that can move 45 L/min of air Maintain
equipment and inspect regularly for gas leaks, especially at the
locations illustrated on the next slide. Shut off and secure
equipment at the end of each day Improve general air quality:
introduce fresh air, use a non- recycling air-conditioning system,
or open a window Vent the scavenger system gases outside the
building and away from windows and air intakes Minimize patient
conversations and mouth breathing Fit the nasal hood carefully to
avoid leaks Set conservative limits on the duration and
concentration of nitrous oxide use per patient
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(Adapted from National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (US). Alert: controlling exposures to nitrous oxide during
anesthetic administration. Cincinnati: US Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare; 1994. p. 5. Publication No. 94100. Joint
publication of Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control,
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).