Operating room gases

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Hey everyone I’m writing because I am recenty new to the Operating room and I had a few questions on the gas smells. Is it normal to smell the induction gases throughout the entire procedures? Have you ever had any adverse effects? I just felt dizzy at the end of the day. The gas uses today was sevo.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

NO! Anesthesia machines have scavenging systems to collect expelled gases. Something is very wrong if you are smelling gases in the rooms and yes, they would make you feel dizzy.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

A word to the wise...even if you’re new, if you sense something is wrong, ask a question. I’m surprised no one else smelled it. Especially the anesthesia provider.

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11 hours ago, subee said:

NO! Anesthesia machines have scavenging systems to collect expelled gases. Something is very wrong if you are smelling gases in the rooms and yes, they would make you feel dizzy.

Yeah that’s what I thought. I asked the other nurses in the room and they had said it’s normal to smell gases sometimes. ? not sure what to do as I am new

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

It is standard procedure for anesthesia machine to be run through several function tests prior to the first case if the day. You may want to find the individual who performs the tests and share your concerns and what you are experiencing with them. They may find an issue, or at minimum explain what is normal and not. Any time I have smelled gas during a case (15 years OR experience), I immediately called to have it looked into. On several occasions the room was shut down for the day until it was fully investigated or the machine was changed out. Anesthesia is typically involved in the process and decision making. Always better to be safe.

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2 minutes ago, JackChase1212 said:

It is standard procedure for anesthesia machine to be run through several function tests prior to the first case if the day. You may want to find the individual who performs the tests and share your concerns and what you are experiencing with them. They may find an issue, or at minimum explain what is normal and not. Any time I have smelled gas during a case (15 years OR experience), I immediately called to have it looked into. On several occasions the room was shut down for the day until it was fully investigated or the machine was changed out. Anesthesia is typically involved in the process and decision making. Always better to be safe.

Oh wow thanks I appreciate your input. Everyone I’ve talked to made it seem like anesthesia smells are the norm, doesn’t appear to be the case. Next time it happens i will either let someone know. I find it strange that they give you filter masks though to help with the smell?? ?

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Depending on the type of agent used you may smell it if your are standing at the head during induction, which is where I always am. If I smell it strongly I may seal off the mask with hand pressure if the CRNA is comfortable with my assistance. Some are not. After intubation, the smell should be gone. Tube in....no smell. I would have an issue if it persisted. I’ve had my lips tingle and developed a headache from gas before. Nothing to make light of.

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3 hours ago, JackChase1212 said:

Depending on the type of agent used you may smell it if your are standing at the head during induction, which is where I always am. If I smell it strongly I may seal off the mask with hand pressure if the CRNA is comfortable with my assistance. Some are not. After intubation, the smell should be gone. Tube in....no smell. I would have an issue if it persisted. I’ve had my lips tingle and developed a headache from gas before. Nothing to make light of.

They were definitely intubated and I still smelt it. I had to move to a different part of the room to not smell it as bad. I work as a circulator. No one else seemed to complain

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to OR nursing

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