A patient needs assistance in eliminating an anesthetic gaseous medication (nitrous oxide). Which action will the nurse take?
A) Encourage the patient to cough and deep-breathe.
B) Suction the patient's respiratory secretions.
C) Suggest voiding every 2 hours.
D) Increase fluid intake.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gaseous and volatile medications are excreted through gas exchange (lungs). Deep breathing and coughing will assist in clearing the medication more quickly. It is a gaseous medication and cannot be suctioned out of the lungs. It is not excreted through the kidneys so fluids and voiding will not help.

A Patient Needs Assistance in Eliminating an Anesthetic Gaseous Medication