O1.i · Gastrointestinal Physiology

Official V4 objective

Describe the composition, volumes, and regulation of gastrointestinal secretions.

Written examination

SAQ history

6 appearances

1 exam appearance

2020B Q16

Describe the formation of gastric acid (50% marks) and the regulation of gastric acid secretion (50% marks).

26%

1 exam appearance

2009A Q19

Describe the functions of the gastric secretions.

40%

2 exam appearances

2024B Q05

Describe the exocrine functions of the pancreas, including their function and regulation.

42%

2019B Q13

Describe the exocrine functions of the pancreas.

33%

1 exam appearance

2023A Q06

Describe pancreatic secretions and their regulation.

21%

1 exam appearance

2015A Q06

Outline the physiology of pancreatic secretion (80% of marks) and outline the pharmacology of octreotide (20% of marks).

38%

Oral examination

3 stations

2026A · VIVA 3
Relevant examiner prompt

How does critical illness predispose to stress ulcer formation?

50% successful
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?

Pass rate not reported
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.

33% successful

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