| positive-pressure respiration | A method of mechanical ventilation in which pressure is maintained to increase the volume of gas remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration, thus reducing the shunting of blood through the lungs and improving gas exchange. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| positive-pressure respiration, intrinsic | Non-therapeutic positive end-expiratory pressure occurring frequently in patients with severe airway obstruction. It can appear with or without the administration of external positive end-expiratory pressure (positive-pressure respiration). It presents an important load on the inspiratory muscles which are operating at a mechanical disadvantage due to hyperinflation. Auto-peep may cause profound hypotension that should be treated by intravascular volume expansion, increasing the time for expiration, and/or changing from assist mode to intermittent mandatory ventilation mode. (12 Dec 1998) |
| positively | In a positive manner; absolutely; really; expressly; with certainty; indubitably; peremptorily; dogmatically; opposed to negatively. "Good and evil which is removed may be esteemed good or evil comparatively, and positively simply." (Bacon) "Give me some breath, some little pause, my lord, Before I positively speak herein." (Shak) "I would ask . . . Whether . . . The divine law does not positively require humility and meekness. <physics> " (Sprat) Positively charged or electrified, having a charge of positive electricity; opposed to negatively electrified. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| positively bathmotropic | Increasing nervous or muscular irritability. (05 Mar 2000) |
| positively dromotropic | Acting to increase conduction velocity. (05 Mar 2000) |