A patient is given nitrous oxide, along with another inhalation anesthetic. The nurse knows that the benefits of nitrous oxide include what? (Select all that apply, one, some or all)
it is a potent analgesic
it is less likely to cause nausea and vomiting
it can significantly reduce the dose of inhalation anesthetic
it is less likely to precipitate malignant hyperthermia
it has high anesthetic potency
Correct Answer : A,C,D
A. Nitrous oxide is a potent analgesic, providing excellent pain relief, which is why it is often used in combination with other anesthetics for balanced anesthesia. Its analgesic properties are especially beneficial for minor procedures or as an adjunct to reduce pain during surgery.
B. Nitrous oxide is not less likely to cause nausea and vomiting; in fact, it can sometimes increase postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This is a known side effect, and antiemetics may be required.
C. Nitrous oxide has low anesthetic potency, so it is not used alone for surgical anesthesia. However, it is commonly used in combination with other inhalation anesthetics to reduce the required dose of more potent agents (dose-sparing effect). This helps minimize cardiovascular and respiratory depression caused by stronger anesthetics.
D. Nitrous oxide is less likely to precipitate malignant hyperthermia, a rare but life-threatening reaction triggered by some potent inhalation anesthetics like halothane, sevoflurane, or desflurane. Because of this, nitrous oxide is considered relatively safe in patients with susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.
E. Nitrous oxide has low anesthetic potency, meaning it cannot produce surgical anesthesia by itself in most cases. Its MAC is very high (>100%), so it is almost always combined with more potent inhalational agents.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","F"]
Explanation
A. Tetracaine is an ester-linked local anesthetic used for topical, spinal, and ophthalmic anesthesia. Ester anesthetics are metabolized in the plasma by pseudocholinesterase, producing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) metabolites, which are more likely to trigger allergic reactions compared with amide anesthetics.
B. Etidocaine is an amide anesthetic metabolized in the liver. Amides have a very low risk of allergic reactions and are used for infiltration and nerve blocks.
C. Prilocaine is an amide-type anesthetic, often combined with lidocaine in topical creams. It is metabolized in the liver and lungs and does not carry the higher allergy risk associated with ester anesthetics.
D. Chloroprocaine is an ester-linked anesthetic commonly used for epidural anesthesia. It is rapidly metabolized in plasma and, like other esters, carries a higher potential for allergic reactions due to PABA metabolites.
E. Lidocaine is an amide anesthetic metabolized in the liver. True allergic reactions are extremely rare and usually related to preservatives rather than the drug itself.
F. Benzocaine is an ester-linked topical anesthetic commonly used for mucosal surfaces. It is metabolized to PABA and has a higher risk of allergic reactions compared with amide anesthetics.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While urinary retention is a common postoperative complication after spinal anesthesia, the priority in this scenario is the patient’s headache and hypotension, which may indicate post-dural puncture headache with potential spinal-induced hypotension. Catheterization may be necessary later but is not the first intervention.
B. Ephedrine is used to treat hypotension, but in this context, the headache associated with spinal anesthesiais typically relieved by positioning and supportive care. Immediate pharmacologic intervention may be required only if hypotension is severe or unresponsive.
C. Post-dural puncture headache is worse when the patient is uprightbecause cerebrospinal fluid leaks increase intracranial tension. Sitting up would worsen the headache, not relieve it.
D. The patient’s headache and hypotension are consistent with post-dural puncture headacheand spinal anesthesia–related sympathetic blockade. Lowering the head of the bed reduces gravitational stress on the CSF leak, helping relieve the headache, and improves venous return, which may help correct hypotension. This is an appropriate initial nursing action while monitoring vital signs and preparing for further interventions such as fluids, analgesics, or an anesthetist consult if symptoms persist.
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