Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Body Fluids and Electrolytes

F2 · Intravenous Fluid Pharmacology

F2.iii · Electrolyte & Buffer Solutions

Official V5 objective
Understand the pharmacology of supplemental electrolyte and buffer solutions.
3 SAQ topics 7 SAQ appearances 1 VIVA station

Written examination

SAQ history

7 appearances
Magnesium Sulfate
5 exam appearances
2021A Q18
Outline the pharmacology of intravenous magnesium sulphate.
57%
2019B Q04
Outline the pharmacology of intravenously administered magnesium sulphate.
55%
2015B Q10
Describe the pharmacology of magnesium sulphate.
27%
2014B Q20
Describe the pharmacology of magnesium sulphate.
4%
2011B Q10
Describe the pharmacology of magnesium sulphate.
4%
Sodium Bicarbonate
1 exam appearance
2021A Q14
Describe the pharmacology of sodium bicarbonate.
29%
Electrolytes — Calcium
1 exam appearance
2011A Q04
Outline the role of calcium in the body (70% of marks). Outline the differences between calcium chloride and calcium gluconate solutions (30% of marks).
33%

Oral examination

VIVA history

1 station

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