skip to main content

N2O for Needle Phobia — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyPharmacology & TherapeuticsN2O for Needle PhobiaORE Part 1

An adult patient requires drainage of an acute dental abscess but has severe needle phobia and currently refuses local anaesthetic injection. They are able to breathe through the nose, communicate normally and are willing to accept nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation sedation. Which statement is most appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Use inhalation sedation to facilitate local anaesthetic injection

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E

A is correct. Nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation sedation is a standard UK conscious-sedation technique for adults as well as children, and is appropriate for significant anxiety, including anxiety specifically associated with local anaesthetic injections. It may reduce anxiety sufficiently to permit local anaesthetic administration and urgent treatment. It does not produce surgical anaesthesia: the patient remains conscious and responsive, and effective local anaesthesia is still required for abscess drainage. B is incorrect because inhalation sedation is suitable across age groups. C is wrong because needle phobia is a reason to consider anxiety-management measures, not a contraindication to all sedation. D confuses conscious sedation with anaesthesia. E is incorrect because IV sedation is not mandatory; nitrous oxide/oxygen is an appropriate, less invasive option when suitable and acceptable to the patient.

Reference: NHS England. Clinical standards for dental anxiety management, section 3: Conscious sedation. Updated 19 July 2024. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/clinical-guide-for-dental-anxiety-management/