Administering Entonox for Pain Relief
Scenario: Dan's Dislocated Patella
Dan has dislocated his left patella and is experiencing severe pain while awaiting emergency services.
Initial Assessment and Pain Score
Assessment and Pain Evaluation:
- Before administering Entonox, inquire if the patient has used it before.
- If it's their first time, provide guidance about potential side effects.
- Conduct a pain score assessment on a scale of 1 to 10 to establish a baseline.
- This baseline will help monitor the effectiveness of Entonox.
Administering Entonox
Safe Administration:
- Open the Entonox kit, take out the giving set, and the gas bottle.
- Turn on the gas bottle and insert the Schrader valve, ensuring it locks securely.
- Attach a one-time-use mouthpiece to the regulator or giving set.
- Ask the patient to place the mouthpiece in their mouth and inhale deeply while continuing to suck.
- Explain that they may feel light-headed; Entonox takes about 4-5 minutes to take effect and up to 10 minutes to peak.
- Monitor the pain score as they continue to use Entonox.
Monitoring and Documentation
Continuous Monitoring and Record Keeping:
- Stay with the patient until emergency services arrive.
- Continue assessing the pain score and note any changes.
- Document the start time, finish time, initial pain score, and pain score at handover to ambulance crew.
- Provide verbal handover of Entonox administration to the ambulance crew.