C10.iii · Bronchodilators

Official V5 objective

Understand the pharmacology of bronchodilator drugs and methods of delivery.

Written examination

SAQ history

8 appearances

1 exam appearance

2023B Q11

Describe the mechanism of action, dose, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of aminophylline.

21%

5 exam appearances

2019B Q08

Outline the pharmacology of drugs used to treat asthma.

29%

2016B Q04

Categorise the drugs used in the treatment of asthma, give examples and outline their mechanisms of action.

71%

2014B Q11

Describe the mechanisms of action of drugs used to treat acute severe asthma and give examples.

54%

2010A Q09

Describe the mechanism of action of drugs commonly used to treat acute severe asthma.

70%

2007B Q23

Describe the mechanisms of action of drug groups commonly used to treat acute severe asthma.

43%

1 exam appearance

2023A Q10

Describe the pharmacology of salbutamol (70% of Marks), including the principles and efficacy of methods of delivery (30% of Marks).

20%

1 exam appearance

2019A Q12

Compare and contrast the pharmacology of salbutamol and ipratropium bromide.

46%

Oral examination

4 stations

2026A · VIVA 1
Relevant examiner prompts

What about with asthma?

What factors determine how much of an inhaled bronchodilator reaches the target site?

What is one major advantage and disadvantage of intravenous, rather than inhaled bronchodilator administration?

57.7% successful
2016A · Day 2 · VIVA 3
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.

Pass rate not reported
2012B · VIVA 1
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

Pass rate not reported
2011B · VIVA 5
This Viva will examine your knowledge of drugs and drug delivery systems used in the treatment of asthma. Q 1 Classify drugs used in the treatment of asthma. Subsequent questions sought knowledge of mechanism of action of beta 2 agonists in the treatment of asthma, important side effects of beta 2 agonists, actions of muscarinic anti- cholinergic antagonists, corticosteroids and aerosol drug delivery systems.

88.9% successful

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