Diffusion hypoxia can be prevented by which of the following methods?

Diffusion hypoxia occurs when nitrous oxide is rapidly eliminated from the body, leading to a dilution of the oxygen concentration in the lungs and potentially resulting in hypoxia. To prevent this complication, administering 100% oxygen for 3 to 5 minutes after discontinuation of nitrous oxide is effective. The reason this method works is that it helps to flush out the nitrous oxide and increase the concentration of oxygen in the alveoli, thereby ensuring that the patient maintains adequate oxygen levels while the nitrous oxide is being cleared from their system.

The use of 100% oxygen during this period boosts the oxygen saturation in the blood and helps to prevent respiratory depression or hypoxia that can result from the rapid excretion of nitrous oxide. This practice not only aids in preventing diffusion hypoxia but also reinforces an overall safer recovery process for the patient post-sedation.

The other methods listed do not adequately address the prevention of diffusion hypoxia. Gradual reduction of nitrous oxide concentration can be helpful in managing sedation levels but does not specifically mitigate the risk of diffusion hypoxia during the elimination phase. Likewise, using a concentration of less than 20% nitrous oxide/oxygen does not directly prevent diffusion hypoxia and could limit the analgesic benefits