VIVAs · 2009A

2009 First Sitting VIVAs

8 VIVA stations from the CICM examiner report for this sitting. Examiner wording, report provenance and reported performance data are preserved.

View 2009A SAQs →

Exam outcomes

30% (3/10)Written pass · MCQ + SAQ
100% (3/3)Oral pass · VIVAs
30.0% (3/10)*Overall pass · CICMWrecks-derived
How passing worked

Written pass: candidates successful in both written components (MCQ + SAQ) and progressing to the oral examination, divided by candidates presenting for the written examination.

Oral pass: candidates successful after the oral component, divided by candidates sitting the oral examination. The First Part oral component consists of VIVAs.

* Overall pass: a CICMWrecks-derived contextual figure: final successful candidates ÷ (candidates presenting for the written examination + candidates carrying a written pass). It is not a CICM-reported pass percentage.

VIVA stations

2009A

VIVA 1

Opening prompt
This image is of the carotid artery and internal jugular vein. How can you distinguish the two using this form of imaging?
Current · V5 (2025) D6.v · primary D1.v
Official source: 2009A CICM Examiner Report · page 12

2009A

VIVA 2

Physiology and Pharmacology of the Immune System
Opening prompt
This viva will test your knowledge of the physiology and pharmacology of the Immune System. Outline the body’s defence mechanisms against infection.
Current · V5 (2025) N2.ii · primary
Official source: 2009A CICM Examiner Report · page 12

2009A

VIVA 3

Action Potential of the Ventricle, Sinus Node and the Atrioventricular Node
Opening prompt
This viva will assess your knowledge of the action potential of the ventricle, sinus node and the atrioventricular node. It will also assess knowledge of anti-arrhythmic drugs. From where does this action potential arise?
Current · V5 (2025) D2.i · primary D7.iv
Official source: 2009A CICM Examiner Report · page 13

2009A

VIVA 4

Opening prompt
This station will explore your knowledge of bacteria and anti-bacterial agents. How do bacteria differ from the majority of normal human cells (eukaryotes)?
Current · V5 (2025) O1.i · primary O2.i O2.ii
Official source: 2009A CICM Examiner Report · page 13

2009A

VIVA 5

Red Blood Cells and the Clark Electrode
Opening prompt
This viva will test your knowledge of Red Blood Cells and the Clark electrode. Outline the main functions of the red blood cell.
Current · V5 (2025) N1.i · primary C9.i
Official source: 2009A CICM Examiner Report · page 13

2009A

VIVA 6

Pharmacokinetics in Two Areas
Opening prompt
This viva will explore your knowledge of the pharmacokinetics in two areas: 1. Alcohol 2. Ageing What is the pharmacokinetics of alcohol metabolism?
Current · V5 (2025) B3.iii · primary B1.iv
Official source: 2009A CICM Examiner Report · page 13

2009A

VIVA 7

Opening prompt
This information is from a patient with a pulmonary embolism FIO2 0.5 PaO2 100mmHg PaCO2 20mmHg Calculate the A-a gradient.
Current · V5 (2025) G2.i · primary C6.i C8.ii
Official source: 2009A CICM Examiner Report · page 13

2009A

VIVA 8

Opening prompt
In this viva you will be asked to discuss cell membrane physiology and electrolyte disturbances. Draw a cell membrane.
Current · V5 (2025) A.i · primary A.iv F1.v
Official source: 2009A CICM Examiner Report · page 14