How should Nitrous Oxide (N2O) be administered to a patient?

Administering Nitrous Oxide (N2O) effectively and safely requires the inclusion of supplemental oxygen. Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can induce sedation and analgesia, but when used alone, it can lead to hypoxia due to the displacement of oxygen in the lungs. Therefore, it's essential to provide a mixture that ensures an adequate supply of oxygen to maintain the patient's respiratory function and prevent any potential respiratory complications.

Typically, a common practice is to use a combination of N2O and oxygen, often at a ratio that might be nitrous oxide to oxygen (commonly 30% N2O to 70% O2). This practice ensures that the patient receives enough oxygen while enjoying the anxiolytic and analgesic effects of nitrous oxide.

The other options fail to prioritize the essential role of oxygen during nitrous oxide administration, indicating unsafe practices that could compromise patient safety.