GRCC Dental Clinic | Nitrous Oxide Analgesia

Summary

This video, presented by Dr. Colette Smiley and Kyra Postma at GRCC’s Dental Clinic, demonstrates the step-by-step process of administering nitrous oxide inhalation sedation. It covers equipment setup, patient preparation, determining tidal volume, and administering nitrous oxide gradually through titration. Key patient responses to look for, such as relaxation and signs of over-sedation, are explained. The procedure concludes with 100% oxygen administration, monitoring the patient’s vitals, and ensuring they return to normal before dismissal. The video emphasizes patient safety and comfort, highlighting nitrous oxide's effectiveness and safety record in dental procedures.

Takeaways

• 🦷 The video demonstrates the proper administration of nitrous oxide analgesia during dental procedures.
• 💡 Before beginning, ensure the nitrous oxide equipment is set up, including turning on the oxygen and nitrous tanks and setting up the scavenging system.
• 👩‍⚕️ It's important to review the patient's medical history and take their blood pressure and pulse before sedation.
• 😷 The nasal hood should be adjusted for patient comfort, ensuring no air leaks out.
• 📊 The patient's tidal volume is determined by adjusting oxygen flow and observing the reservoir bag for proper inflation and deflation.
• ⏳ Nitrous oxide is administered incrementally, starting with one liter and increasing by half a liter each minute, a process called titration.
• 👀 Signs of proper sedation include a relaxed demeanor, glassy eyes, and possibly tingling or warmth in the body.
• 🚫 Over-sedation symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or feeling of floating should be avoided, and nitrous oxide levels adjusted accordingly.
• ✅ After completing the procedure, 100% oxygen is administered for at least five minutes to help the patient return to normal.
• 📋 Nitrous oxide has a long safety history, and aftercare typically involves no special precautions beyond making sure the patient feels normal before dismissal.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video featuring Dr. Colette Smiley and Kyra Postma?

The video is an educational demonstration on the proper administration of nitrous oxide analgesia in a dental clinic setting.

What are the initial steps in preparing for nitrous oxide administration as described in the video?

The initial steps include opening the tanks, starting the scavenging system, and filling the reservoir bag.

How do you differentiate between oxygen and nitrous oxide tanks in the video?

Oxygen tanks are green, and nitrous oxide tanks are blue. The video also explains how to open the tanks using a wrench.

What is the significance of the tank pressure gauges and how do they differ between oxygen and nitrous oxide?

The tank pressure gauges show the amount of gas available. For oxygen, the gauge accurately represents the remaining oxygen, but for nitrous oxide, the pressure appears 'full' until it's about a quarter full, after which it drops.

How is the scavenging system connected to the dental suction in the video?

The scavenging system is connected to the dental suction by turning on the suction and inserting the end of the scavenger into the suction port, ensuring the on/off valve is on and the black ball is in the green zone for adequate suction.

What is the importance of reviewing a patient's medical history and taking vitals before administering nitrous oxide?

Reviewing medical history and taking vitals such as blood pressure and pulse ensures the patient is healthy and ready for the sedation treatment, and it provides a baseline for monitoring during the procedure.

How is the patient prepared for nitrous oxide sedation in terms of communication and expectations?

The patient is informed about the sedation process, reassured to feel comfortable, and encouraged to communicate any discomfort or questions they may have.

What is the process of determining a patient's tidal volume during nitrous oxide administration?

The tidal volume is determined by adjusting the flow of oxygen until the patient feels comfortable and the reservoir bag shows appropriate movement, indicating the patient is inhaling and exhaling the correct amount of gas.

Why is it important to observe the patient's eyes during nitrous oxide sedation?

Observing the patient's eyes is key to assessing sedation levels. Signs such as decreased eye movement and a glassy appearance indicate proper sedation.

What is the 'titration' method mentioned in the video, and how does it benefit the patient?

The 'titration' method involves incrementally adjusting the nitrous oxide dosage to achieve the desired level of sedation without over-medicating the patient, ensuring a comfortable and effective sedation experience.

How is the dental procedure concluded in terms of nitrous oxide administration and patient recovery?

After the dental procedure, nitrous oxide is turned off, and the patient is given 100% oxygen for five minutes to ensure they feel back to normal before being dismissed.

What are the post-procedure steps for the patient after nitrous oxide sedation as described in the video?

The post-procedure steps include ensuring the patient feels normal after five minutes of 100% oxygen, removing the nasal hood, and slowly sitting the chair up before the patient is dismissed.