VIVAs · 2015B

2015 Second Sitting VIVAs

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

View 2015B SAQs →

Exam outcomes

54% (26/48)Written pass · MCQ + SAQ
92% (24/26)Oral pass · VIVAs
50.0% (24/48)*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

2015B

VIVA 1

Opening prompt
This Viva tested the candidates understanding of the immediate and delayed response to a modest amount of blood loss (approx 10% blood volume). Candidates were expected to describe the volume receptors, barorecepetors and renin-angiotensin system. The viva went on to consider the mechanism amd limitations of automated non-invasive blood pressure (DINAMAP) and coronary artery blood flow and its regulation.
Current · V5 (2025) D4.i · primary D4.iv L1.v
Official source: 2015B CICM Examiner Report · page 10

2015B

VIVA 2

Opening prompt
This Viva tested knowledge of respiratory physiology. It explored the understanding of the oxygen cascade and humidity.
Current · V5 (2025) C7.i · primary
Official source: 2015B CICM Examiner Report · page 10

2015B

VIVA 3

Opening prompt
This Viva tested knowledge of cerebral physiology and related pharmacology. It explored the understanding of the cerebral blood flow and its determinants. It went on to discuss aspects of mannitol and ketamine pharmacology.
Current · V5 (2025) H2.ii · primary
Official source: 2015B CICM Examiner Report · page 10

2015B

VIVA 4

Opening prompt
This Viva tested knowledge of the physiology of calcium and related pharmacology. It explored the role of calcium on the cardiac myocyte and the bodies’ regulation of calcium.
Current · V5 (2025) F1.v · primary
Official source: 2015B CICM Examiner Report · page 10

2015B

VIVA 5

Opening prompt
This Viva tested knowledge of the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction and the pharmacology of neuromuscular blocking drugs.
Current · V5 (2025) I1.iii · primary I3.i
Official source: 2015B CICM Examiner Report · page 10

2015B

VIVA 6

Opening prompt
This Viva tested knowledge of classification and mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics. It then explored the immunology related to anaphylaxis and immunoglobulins.
Current · V5 (2025) N2.iv · primary O2.i
Official source: 2015B CICM Examiner Report · page 10

2015B

VIVA 7

Opening prompt
This Viva tested knowledge of blood gas interpretation and insulin physiology.
Current · V5 (2025) G2.i · primary L1.i L1.ii
Official source: 2015B CICM Examiner Report · page 10

2015B

VIVA 8

Opening prompt
This Viva tested knowledge of opioid pharmacology including classification and mechanism of action. It then explored pharmacodynamics and dose response curves.
Current · V5 (2025) H6.iii · primary B2.iii
Official source: 2015B CICM Examiner Report · page 10