What safety mechanism prevents the accidental administration of the wrong gas during anesthesia?

Color-coded gas connections are a critical safety feature designed to prevent the accidental administration of the wrong gas during anesthesia. Each gas used in anesthesia has a specific color code that corresponds to its connection, ensuring that healthcare providers can quickly identify and connect the right gas to the anesthesia machine and patient. This design minimizes the risk of human error during critical moments when swift and accurate decision-making is essential, such as during the induction of anesthesia.

For instance, oxygen is typically associated with the color green in many regions, whereas nitrous oxide is often blue. Ensuring that gas connections are distinctively color-coded allows for immediate visual recognition and proper handling by anesthesia technicians and providers.