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Entonox contraindication with pneumothorax — DipIMC MCQ

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HardPharmacologyEntonox contraindication with pneumothoraxDipIMC

A 21-year-old rugby player has pleuritic chest pain and reduced breath sounds after a tackle. He is stable but needs analgesia during transfer; a small pneumothorax is suspected clinically. What is the most appropriate drug/dose?

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

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Correct answer: A — Use an alternative analgesic and avoid nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide diffuses into closed gas spaces and can expand a pneumothorax. Alternative analgesia should be used while monitoring and transferring. Suspected pneumothorax is not a reason to deny analgesia altogether.

Reference: JRCALC medicines guidance; BNF nitrous oxide cautions