What are the medical uses of Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)?

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is primarily recognized for its role as an anesthetic and analgesic agent. It operates by producing a state of sedation and pain relief, making it particularly valuable in medical settings such as dentistry and during surgical procedures. The mechanism of action involves its effects on the central nervous system (CNS), where it acts as a depressant, helping to reduce anxiety and discomfort associated with medical interventions.

The anesthetic properties of N₂O allow for conscious sedation, where patients remain awake but are relaxed and free of pain during minor surgical procedures. Additionally, N₂O is often used in combination with other anesthetic agents to enhance overall sedation and pain management.

While nitrous oxide is sometimes discussed in relation to other medical uses, such as oxygen therapy or insufflating body cavities, these applications do not characterize its primary medical purpose in practice. Nitrous oxide does not provide 100% oxygen therapy or treat conditions like hypoxemia directly. Insufflation with CO₂ is a common practice for certain types of surgeries, but nitrous oxide is not used in this manner. Thus, option B accurately captures the main uses of N₂O in the medical field.