PRODUCT INFORMATION
NITROUS MONITORING BADGES
SCAVENGING SYSTEM
PRODUCT VIDEO
RESOURCES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is nitrous oxide safe?
Nitrous oxide has been used for over 150 years* and has a longstanding safety record. When the Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen Analgesia System device is used – patients are awake (conscious), responsive, and breathing on their own.
* Nitrous Oxide for the Management of Labor Analgesia. AANA Journal, February 2018, Vol. 86, No. 1
2. What safety mechanisms do our Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen Analgesia Systems device have?
Oxygen fail-safe preventing flow of nitrous oxide without oxygen (system will not work without oxygen)
Diameter indexed gas line connections (can’t cross connect gas hoses)
Pin-Indexed cylinder regulators (can’t cross connect regulators to cylinders)
Patient has control over self-administration (patient can stop inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture at any point)
Nitrous oxide regulator check valve for 2-cylinder cart (when removing N2O regulator to change cylinders, check valve prevents flow back out into the room from the hose and device)
Audible alarm for mixture pressure failure
Ability to secure / lock out the system
Visual pressure gauges for real time visual confirmation of gas and mixture supply (NitronoxTM only) / Visual flow tubes for real time confirmation of gas and mixture supply (Continuous Flow Systems only)
Oxygen enrichment feature increases O2% if repetitive pattern of shallow breathing (NitronoxTM only)
Dual seal diaphragm block reduces risk for leak or failure (NitronoxTM only)
3. Is nitrous oxide flammable?
No, neither N2O or O2 are flammable. However, they are both oxidizers which support combustion. If you have a fuel source, heat source and add an oxidizer – there is potential for hazard. If you are utilizing lasers for medical aesthetic procedures, contact the laser manufacturer for recommendations on the use of nitrous oxide and oxygen
4. Are there risks?
Nitrous oxide is a “drug” with contraindications for use. There are also occupational concerns and risks to be aware of. Contraindications are very well documented and easy to assess. Occupational risks can be monitored and managed effectively. Additional risks could include combining N2O / O2 with other drugs and medications.
5. Is using a Porter Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen System considered anesthesia?
No, Porter nitrous oxide and oxygen systems provide patients with minimal conscious sedation. Patients will be awake and able to respond to commands.
6. What are common side effects that one might see?
The most common side effects are dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects can be quickly reversed by having the patient remove the mask/mouthpiece and breathe room air.
7. Who can administer nitrous oxide?
Typically, you will not find a specific regulation saying who can administer nitrous oxide and oxygen. It is the treating clinician’s responsibility to ensure that the use of N2O / O2 are within their scope of practice. You should review guidelines from your governing body or state medical board. What you would want to look for is whether it is within your scope of practice to administer pain management medications, minimal conscious sedation, anxiolysis, analgesia, etc. If the answer is yes, N2O / O2 should be no different. For the most part, use of nitrous oxide and oxygen fall under the same umbrella as administering a local anesthetic.
8. Will my malpractice insurance be affected by adding nitrous oxide and oxygen?
In most cases the answer is no – as you are already covered for pain management, minimal sedation, analgesia, etc. That said, the treating clinician may wish to notify your malpractice carrier if you have concerns.
9. Are there regulations for use?
Typically, you will not see a regulation specific to the use of nitrous oxide and oxygen for physicians or nurses. This falls under the same umbrella as utilizing pain medications, local anesthetics, analgesia, and minimal sedation.
10. Should the patient be continually monitored by a healthcare professional during a procedure when nitrous oxide is being used?
Yes, the patient should never be left alone when nitrous oxide is being used.
11. Are there risks of patient falling during use of nitrous oxide?
As with the use of any pain medication, there is risk that a patient may be unsteady, light-headed or dizzy which could be a fall risk. It is recommended that the patient remains seated or lying down for the duration of the procedure. Allow the patient to recover for 5-10 minutes following the discontinuation of nitrous oxide and oxygen.
12. Is there an insurance code?
There are currently no CPT medical codes for the use of nitrous oxide. Some physicians will choose to charge an out of pocket fee - It is not uncommon to see cash fees range from $50 to $150. Conversely, physicians may also consider using Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen Analgesia Systems as a marketing tool to help assist with attracting patients and choose to offer it at no charge.
13. How fast does nitrous oxide take effect and last?
The onset of the effects of nitrous oxide vary from patient to patient. Effects can be felt in as little as 30 seconds or it could take several minutes. For the fastest onset, make sure the patient keeps the mask securely on their face. Once the patient stops inhaling the gas mixture, it will be completely out of their system within 5-10 minutes*. They will start feeling back to normal almost immediately.
* Nitrous Oxide for the Management of Labor Analgesia. AANA Journal, February 2018, Vol. 86, No. 1