**Core Concept**
Nitrous oxide is a potent analgesic and anxiolytic gas used in anesthesia. It can displace nitrogen in body tissues, leading to expansion of air-filled spaces and potentially causing complications. Its use is contraindicated in surgeries involving air-filled spaces or organs.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Nitrous oxide is contraindicated in surgeries involving air-filled spaces or organs because it can diffuse into these spaces, leading to expansion and potentially causing complications. This is particularly relevant in surgeries such as laparoscopic procedures, laparotomy, or surgeries involving the bowel or rectum. In these cases, the use of nitrous oxide can lead to bowel distension, bowel ischemia, or even bowel rupture. However, there is one type of surgery where the use of nitrous oxide is not contraindicated.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a surgery involving air-filled spaces and is therefore contraindicated with nitrous oxide.
**Option B:** Laparotomy involves opening the abdominal cavity and is also contraindicated with nitrous oxide due to the risk of bowel distension.
**Option C:** Bowel resection is a surgery involving the bowel and is therefore contraindicated with nitrous oxide due to the risk of bowel ischemia.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that nitrous oxide can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency by interfering with its absorption. This is because nitrous oxide can bind to the cobalt ion in vitamin B12, making it unavailable for absorption.
**Correct Answer:** D.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.