Definition: 'Diffusion Hypoxia'
diffusion hypoxia
Type: Term
Definitions:
1. abrupt transient decrease in alveolar oxygen tension when room air is inhaled at the conclusion of a nitrous oxide anesthesia, because nitrous oxide diffusing out of the blood dilutes the alveolar oxygen.
The information shown above for diffusion hypoxia is provided by Stedman's.
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Stedman's Medical Dictionary. Copyright © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
