How are N₂O:O₂ mixtures stored?

N₂O:O₂ mixtures, also known as nitrous oxide and oxygen mixtures, are stored as gas in a cylinder. This method allows for efficient storage and delivery of these gases under pressure. The mixture is contained in a specialized cylinder that is designed to handle the high pressures associated with these gases.

When stored as a gas in a cylinder, both nitrous oxide and oxygen remain in their gaseous state, enabling medical professionals to deliver them effectively during procedures that require sedation or analgesia. It is crucial that these mixtures are stored safely and in appropriate cylinders designed specifically for this purpose, ensuring both patient safety and effective administration.

The other options do not align with industry practices for storage. For instance, storing these gases as a liquid in thermoses or dissolved in oxygen tanks would not facilitate practical use or proper dosing. Additionally, the concept of mixing these gases in Heliox tanks (which typically contain a mixture of helium and oxygen) is not relevant to the storage of nitrous oxide and oxygen mixtures. Thus, gas storage in a cylinder is the accepted standard for handling these medical gases.