Syllabus · Historical · V4 (2023) · Respiratory System
F6 · Ventilation-Perfusion Relationships
F6.v · Ventilation-Perfusion Relationships
Explain the concept of shunt, its physiological effects, and its measurement.
Written examination
SAQ history
No mapped SAQ history for this objective.
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2013B · VIVA 8
This focused upon knowledge of aspects of respiratory physiology, measurement and oxygen delivery. Candidates were shown a chest X-ray, and told it represented complete collapse of the left lung. The opening question was what processes might contribute to hypoxia in that patient. It viva then went on to examine knowledge of shunt, dead space and measurement of oxygen. Overall most candidates performed well, with overall the depth of knowledge of the physiological mechanisms of hypoxia being the area of weakness.
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2008B · VIVA 8
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
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.