Adjusting Tidal Volume on Mallard - Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment

Ensure you have the necessary equipment, including the ventilator or respiratory therapy device, the adjustable rod, and any relevant tubing or accessories.

Step 2: Loosen the Nut

Locate the nut on the adjustable rod. It might look slightly different from the one described, but the process remains similar. Gently loosen the nut by turning it counterclockwise. The nut may be hand-tightened, so be cautious not to overtighten or force it.

Step 3: Adjust Tidal Volume

With the nut loosened, you can now adjust the tidal volume. Turn the adjustable rod up or down to modify the tidal volume setting. You can adjust the rod to your desired tidal volume setting.

Step 4: Secure the Nut

Once you've set the desired tidal volume, hand-tighten the nut on the adjustable rod to secure the setting. Ensure it's snug enough to hold the rod in place but not overly tight.

Step 5: Prepare the Ventilator

Using a ventilator, prepare it by turning the flow control knob up. This action prepares the system for testing and adjusting the tidal volume.

Step 6: Close the Valve

Close the valve on the ventilator or respiratory device. This action will prevent air from entering the system prematurely during the adjustment process.

Step 7: Fill the Bag (Animal Lung)

If your setup includes an animal lung or bag, ensure it's properly attached and ready for testing. Fill the bag by manually pressing it to simulate inhalation. This step helps establish a baseline for the tidal volume adjustment.

Step 8: Adjust Tidal Volume

With the valve closed and the bag filled, turn the flow control knob up to raise the bellows. This action simulates inhalation and tests the adjusted tidal volume setting. Observe the bag's expansion to ensure it matches the desired tidal volume.

Step 9: Fine-Tune the Setting

If necessary, make further adjustments to the tidal volume setting. You can do this by either increasing or decreasing the inspiratory time or flow rate. These adjustments will affect the depth and frequency of the breaths delivered.

Step 10: Monitoring and Optimization

While adjusting, monitor the bag's expansion and the simulated lung's response to ensure the adjusted tidal volume is appropriate for the patient. Fine-tune as needed to achieve the desired ventilation parameters.

Step 11: Document the Settings

Once you've achieved the desired tidal volume setting, ensure you document the settings, including tidal volume, inspiratory time, flow rate, and any other relevant parameters for accurate record-keeping.