Question

what characteristics of oxygen make it particularly dangerous in tbe perioperative environment

Answer 1

Characteristics of oxygen that make it particularly dangerous in tbe perioperative environment are the following:

Sl.No	Characteristics	Danger
1	Oxidative property Colorless Odourless	Fire and explosion
2	Alloptropic	Oxygen toxicity-Hyperoxemia and hyperoxia
3.	Vasoconstrictor	Retinopathy of prematurity
4	Density	Absorbtion Atelectasis

1. Oxygen is an Oxidizing agent and ignites fire. It has no color and odour.

The danger is Fire and explosion.

2.Allotropic property-Due to this property ,breathing of molecular oxygen at high partial pressures   results in Oxygen Toxicity-(especially during prolonged surgery .)Principal organs affected are CNS,Lungs and Eyes.

3.Vasoconstrictor-

It leads to Retinopathy of prematurity in neonates and is due to vasoconstriction of retinal blood vessels.The victims are neonates requiring prolonged surgery.

4.Density- Highly concentrated oxygen administration during anesthesia will result in absorbtion atelectasis due to replacement of nitrogen in lungs with oxygen.

In Perioperative environment,Patients receive high concentrationof oxygen for short period of time and hence they are at risk above dangers.