Diffusion hypoxia can occur because nitrous oxide can remain in the lungs after cessation of treatment.

Diffusion hypoxia can occur because nitrous oxide can remain in the lungs after cessation of treatment.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It Only Occurs When Combined With Other Anesthetics
• D. It Is Not Clinically Relevant

Answer: (A)

Diffusion hypoxia happens when nitrous oxide remains in the alveoli after stopping its administration and continues to diffuse from the blood into the alveolar gas. Because nitrous oxide is poorly soluble in blood, it rapidly returns to the alveoli, diluting the alveolar gas with nitrous oxide and nitrogen, which lowers the alveolar and arterial oxygen levels. This is why giving 100% oxygen during emergence prevents the effect. So the statement is true: nitrous oxide can stay in the lungs after cessation and contribute to diffusion hypoxia.

Diffusion hypoxia happens when nitrous oxide remains in the alveoli after stopping its administration and continues to diffuse from the blood into the alveolar gas. Because nitrous oxide is poorly soluble in blood, it rapidly returns to the alveoli, diluting the alveolar gas with nitrous oxide and nitrogen, which lowers the alveolar and arterial oxygen levels. This is why giving 100% oxygen during emergence prevents the effect. So the statement is true: nitrous oxide can stay in the lungs after cessation and contribute to diffusion hypoxia.