F3.x · Mechanics of Breathing

Official V4 objective

Describe the production, properties, and role of surfactant.

Written examination

SAQ history

1 appearance

Surfactant

1 exam appearance

2012B Q06

Describe the structure of surfactant (25% of marks). Explain the effects of surfactant upon surface tension and lung mechanics (75% of marks)

36.4%

Oral examination

1 station

2009B · VIVA 1
The initial information given to the candidates was – This VIVA will assess your knowledge of pulmonary mechanics Can you identify this curve and label the axes? Candidates were tested on their knowledge of pulmonary compliance, its measurement, factors that influence it, surfactant and interpretation of common ventilator waveforms.

33% successful

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.