What is a common use of nitrous oxide in medical settings?

Nitrous oxide is commonly used in medical settings primarily as a sedative and analgesic. It provides rapid pain relief and creates a state of conscious sedation, allowing patients to remain awake but relaxed during minor surgical procedures or dental work. The gas has a unique property of inducing euphoria and reducing anxiety, which makes it particularly useful in various medical applications where mild sedation and pain control are needed.

While nitrous oxide is also used in some general anesthesia protocols, it is not typically the sole agent for this purpose, as general anesthesia generally requires a combination of agents to achieve the desired depth of anesthesia. It does not play a role in maintaining oxygen levels in the body, and it is not used as a cleaning agent, which further underscores its specific application in pain relief and sedation during procedures.