Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Gastrointestinal System
J1 · Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Physiology
J1.ii · Gastrointestinal Secretions
Describe the composition, volumes, and regulation of gastrointestinal secretions.
Written examination
SAQ history
GI Secretions — Gastric Acid
1 exam appearance
Describe the formation of gastric acid (50% marks) and the regulation of gastric acid secretion (50% marks).
26%
GI Secretions — Gastric Secretions
1 exam appearance
Oral examination
VIVA history
-
2026A · VIVA 3
Relevant examiner prompt
How does critical illness predispose to stress ulcer formation?
-
2024A · Day 2 · VIVA 6
This VIVA will examine digestion and nutrition. Outline the main phases of gastrointestinal secretion that occur when eating a meal?
-
2008B · VIVA 5
The initial information given to the candidates was - This station is mostly concerned with the pharmacology of drugs acting on the gastrointestinal tract. What is a prokinetic? This viva explored the candidates’ knowledge in relation to the following points Prokinetics, examples of prokinetics, mechanism of action, general pharmacology of metoclopramide GIT secretions Laxatives, mechanism of action of lactulose Octreotide, mechanism of action, general pharmacology, indications for use Examination feedback: This is an important, and potentially overlooked, area of clinical ICU practice. Candidates breadth and depth of knowledge for this important topic was lower than expected. In particular was mechanism of action of prokinetics, laxatives (of which most of the discussion centred around lactulose) and octreotide.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.