C9.i · Blood Gas & Oximetry Measurement

This VIVA will examine oxygen measurement and sodium channel physiology. In what ways can oxygen tension or concentration be measured?

This viva will explore your knowledge of measurement. By what methods can the concentration of oxygen in inspired gas be measured? (Image removed from report.)

This viva will explore your knowledge of the following areas: Arterial blood gases and oxygen measurement. What is the difference between hypoxia and hypoxaemia?

This viva discussed humidity, oxygen measurement and concepts around partial pressure.

This viva tested knowledge on pulse oximetry the physiology related to hypoxia and hypoxaemia.

This viva tested knowledge of respiratory physiology and pharmacology. It discussed the functions of the upper respiratory tract, humidity, anatomy of the larynx, principles of pulse oximetry and the pharmacology of some of the drugs used to treat asthma.

This Viva tested knowledge on oxygen. It explored an understanding of the physiological effects of oxygen, measurement of oxygen and principles around humidity.

Explored knowledge of oxygen administration and oxygen measurement (including arterial oxygen saturation and partial pressure). It began by asking candidates to describe the design principles of commonly used oxygen delivery masks.

This Viva will explore knowledge of the measurement and interpretation of Blood Gases and respiratory pharmacology. Subsequent discussion involved understanding differences between hypoxia and hypoxaemia, the Clark electrode, physiological mechanisms of hypoxaemia, asthma and bronchodilators

This station will explore your knowledge of the physiology associated with the interpretation of Blood Gases and oxygen analysis. How would you interpret this Arterial Oxygen Tension? PaO2 = 24.6 mmHg (3.2 kPa) This viva tested the candidates’ knowledge of hypoxaemia, associated respiratory physiology and oxygen measurement. Specifically measurement of oxygen tension, the alveolar gas equation and physiological responses to hypoxia. Measurement of oxygen tension, in particular the principles behind the Clark electrode, was well done. The area candidates struggled the most was explaining and integrating arterial blood gases and the physiological principles surrounding them.

This viva will test your knowledge of hypoxemia, oxygen therapy and pulse oximetry The following is a blood gas of a young person who has taken a sedative drug overdose. pH 7.2 PO2 40 mmHg PCO2 80 mmHg HCO3- 28 mmols/L Describe this blood gas Apart from being asked to describe the blood gas, candidates were also asked about the Henderson-Hasselbach equation, causes of hypoxaemia, pulmonary shunt, response to supplemental oxygen and pulse oximetry.

This viva will test your knowledge of Red Blood Cells and the Clark electrode. Outline the main functions of the red blood cell.

The initial information given to the candidates was - This Station will explore aspects of respiratory physiology and related measurement. This Chest Xray shows complete collapse of the Left Lung. What patho-physiological processes might contribute to Hypoxia in this patient? This viva explored the candidates’ knowledge in relation to the following points Describe ventilation and perfusion to the lung and illustrate their relationship Significance of high and low V/Q Shunt and mechanisms to limit hypoxia, effect of supplemental oxygen Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Pulse Oximetry, principles of measurement, limitations (A digital reproduction of a CXR was displayed – but candidates were not expected to make any clinical interpretation of the CXR and were provided with the CXR findings and diagnosis) Examination feedback: Candidates used graphs to illustrate their discussions with good effect. Areas of weakness was in understanding and explaining the limitations of the pulse oximetry. 3 ( 100%) candidates passed this questions A detailed syllabus has been developed and forms the foundation for the knowledge base for the JFIC Primary Examination. All questions are sourced directly from that syllabus and candidates should have a sound understanding of those topics, and confidence to express their understanding of the subject material in both written and oral form. The candidates should be able to integrate and express basic physiological and pharmacological principles as to how the relate to various scenarios relevant to Intensive Care practice. Candidates would find it valuable to develop strategies and standard formats to answer typical questions, eg compare and contrast the pharmacology of Drugs X and Y. Candidates are also strongly encouraged to use accurate and labelled figures and tables wherever possible to help display their knowledge and to describe basic principles. Dr Arthas Flabouris Deputy Chair Primary Examination Committee Circulation: Board of Joint faculty Panel of Examiners Supervisors of Intensive Care Training Course Supervisors Regional Education Offices Registered Trainees