Chapter 22: Cancer pain assessment and management
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Principles of care
Cautions
Prior to Entonox use, consideration should be given to the following:
- The high level of oxygen (50%) in Entonox may depress respiration in patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and are carbon dioxide (CO2) retainers.
- Entonox should not be used as a replacement for intravenous analgesia or general anaesthesia in procedures requiring increased levels of medical intervention.
- If Entonox is used as the sole analgesic/sedative agent, BOC's 2016 data sheet recommends that driving or operating complex machinery is not recommended until:
- the healthcare professional has judged that the patient has returned to normal mental status (Entonox can cause psychotropic effects)
- the patient feels they are competent to drive after the relevant procedure is completed
- at least 30 minutes has elapsed after the administration of Entonox has ceased.
- Additional care is needed when Entonox is administered to a patient who has been given concomitant medication.
