second gas effect


sec·ond gas ef·fect

when a constant concentration of an anesthetic such as halothane is inspired, the increase in alveolar concentration is accelerated by concomitant administration of nitrous oxide, because alveolar uptake of the latter creates a potential subatmospheric intrapulmonary pressure that leads to increased tracheal inflow.

sec·ond gas effect

(sekŏnd gas ĕ-fekt) When a constant concentration of an anesthetic such as halothane is inspired, increase in alveolar concentration is accelerated by concomitant administration of nitrous oxide, because alveolar uptake of latter creates a potential subatmospheric intrapulmonary pressure that leads to increased tracheal inflow.