Which inhalant is known as the 'laughing gas' and used as an analgesic adjunct during anesthesia?

Which inhalant is known as the 'laughing gas' and used as an analgesic adjunct during anesthesia?

• A. Methoxyflurane
• B. Nitrous oxide
• C. Desflurane
• D. Sevoflurane

Answer: (B)

Nitrous oxide is the inhalant known as “laughing gas” because of the euphoric, giggling effect it can produce. It provides analgesia and mild sedation, making it useful as an adjunct to other anesthetics rather than as a sole agent. Its rapid onset and offset allow quick titration and help reduce the amounts of more potent anesthetics needed, which can lessen cardiovascular and respiratory depression. The other inhalants listed are mainly potent volatile anesthetics used for hypnosis during anesthesia and do not carry the same nickname or primary role as an analgesic adjunct.

Nitrous oxide is the inhalant known as “laughing gas” because of the euphoric, giggling effect it can produce. It provides analgesia and mild sedation, making it useful as an adjunct to other anesthetics rather than as a sole agent. Its rapid onset and offset allow quick titration and help reduce the amounts of more potent anesthetics needed, which can lessen cardiovascular and respiratory depression. The other inhalants listed are mainly potent volatile anesthetics used for hypnosis during anesthesia and do not carry the same nickname or primary role as an analgesic adjunct.