Pain relief in hospital: the more widespread use of nitrous oxide.

A trial was conducted of Entonox for pain relief in minor, but painful, procedures which are conducted in wards, accident centres, and radiological units. The gas was self-administered by the patient using a demand apparatus. The administration was supervised by qualified nurses, specially trained in the properties of Entonox and the inhalational unit. The results confirm that the gas is safe in the hands of these personnel. Gratifying pain relief occurred in most patients with almost complete freedom from undesirable side effects. It is suggested that patient comfort in hospital can be considerably improved by utilizing this method of analgesia to the full.