Question 1 of 18

That answer is incorrect.

The use of nitrous oxide is contraindicated in patients with an upper respiratory tract infection. That is because nitrous must be inhaled through the nose during dental treatment. Respiratory problems preventing the use of the nose as aroute of entry for the nitrous oxide is a relative contraindication to this technique.

Nitrous oxide can successfully be used on patients who exhibit:

mild apprehension - nitrous oxide will relax these individuals and make them less apprehensive

an allergy to local anesthetics - if a local anesthetic cannot be used on a patient for a variety of reasons, nitrous oxide is an acceptable alternative

cerebral palsy - as these patients may be difficult to manage, nitrous oxide can relax them

a hypersensitive gag reflex - nitrous oxide analgesia reduces the gag reflex

asthma - an individual with asthma will receive more oxygen during nitrous oxide analgesia that what is normally available to them which will help their breathing and decrease any stress