Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Respiratory System
C6 · Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Relationships
C6.iv · Venous Admixture
Define venous admixture and describe its relationship to shunt and V/Q mismatch.
Written examination
SAQ history
Venous Admixture
2 exam appearances
(a) Describe venous admixture and the sources contributing to it in an adult (60% of marks). (b) Explain the effects of supplemental oxygen on arterial hypoxaemia (40% of marks).
43%
Define venous admixture and list its causes. (50% of marks) How is it diagnosed and how is it quantified? (50% of marks)
56%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2012A · VIVA 6
This Viva will explore your knowledge of the pulmonary circulation. Briefly describe the vascular anatomy of blood flow in the lungs. …/13 13. Subsequent questions explored knowledge of venous admixture and anatomical shunts, differences between systemic and pulmonary circulations, changes in pulmonary circulation and drugs used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.