VIVAs · 2025B

2025 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 2025B SAQs →

Exam outcomes

44% (46/105)Written pass · MCQ + SAQ
84% (47/56)Oral pass · VIVAs
40.9% (47/115)*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.

Carry-over: 10 candidates entered the oral component carrying a written pass from a previous sitting.

* 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

2025B

VIVA 1

Respiratory Physiology
78.6%Successful candidates
Opening prompt
This viva will examine respiratory physiology. Discuss how Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) may affect lung compliance in an intubated and ventilated patient? You may use the graph to help with your answer. (Hysteresis Graph removed from report)
Current · V5 (2025) C8.i · primary C3.iii C3.iv
Official source: 2025B CICM Examiner Report · page 13

2025B

VIVA 2

Acid-Base Physiology and Pharmacology
37.5%Successful candidates
Opening prompt
This viva will examine acid-base physiology and pharmacology. Interpret these lab values using either the traditional or Stewart (physicochemical) approach to acid-base. pH 7.20 (7.35 - 7.45) pCO2 39mmHg (5.2 kPa) (35 - 45mmHg or 4.7-6.0 kPa) HCO3- 15mmol/l (22 - 26mmol/l) Lactate 10mmol/l (0 - 2mmol/l) BE -14 mmol/l (-3 - +3mmol/l) Na 126 mmol/l (135 - 145mmol/l) K 3 mmol/l (3.7 - 4.7mmol/l) Cl 82mmol/l (101 – 110mmol/l) Cai 1.5mmol/l (1.15 – 1.30mmol/l) Mg 1mmol/l (0.7 – 1mmol/l) PO4 1.5 mmol/L (0.8 – 1.5 mmol/l) Albumin 20g/L (35 – 50 g/L)
Current · V5 (2025) G1.iv · primary G2.i
Official source: 2025B CICM Examiner Report · page 13

2025B

VIVA 3

General Pharmacology Concepts
76.8%Successful candidates
Opening prompt
This viva will examine general pharmacology concepts. Define volume of distribution. Using the figure provided, how you would determine the initial Volume of distribution (Vd) following administration of 1500 mg IV of drug X. (Drug plasma concentration vs time graph removed from report)
Current · V5 (2025) B1.iii · primary B1.i
Official source: 2025B CICM Examiner Report · page 13

2025B

VIVA 4

Endocrine Pharmacology and Physiology Explain the Metabolic Effects of Insulin on the Body
71.4%Successful candidates
Opening prompt
This viva will examine endocrine pharmacology and physiology Explain the metabolic effects of insulin on the body.
Current · V5 (2025) L1.ii · primary L1.i
Official source: 2025B CICM Examiner Report · page 14

2025B

VIVA 5

Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology
75%Successful candidates
Opening prompt
This viva will examine cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology. The systemic vascular resistance is suddenly increased. Describe the consequences of this on a healthy left ventricle. (Left ventricular pressure volume loop removed from report)
Current · V5 (2025) D3.vii · primary D4.iii
Official source: 2025B CICM Examiner Report · page 14

2025B

VIVA 6

Neuropharmacology
76.8%Successful candidates
Opening prompt
This viva will examine neuropharmacology. Describe the desirable and undesirable pharmacological properties of ketamine when used to intubate frail elderly people in the ICU?
Current · V5 (2025) H6.i · primary B3.iii
Official source: 2025B CICM Examiner Report · page 14

2025B

VIVA 7

Metabolism and Nutrition
57.1%Successful candidates
Opening prompt
This viva will examine metabolism and nutrition. Describe the metabolic and hormonal changes that occur during the following: (a) prolonged starvation (b) reintroduction of nutrition in a malnourished patient
Current · V5 (2025) K1.iii · primary K1.v L1.ii
Official source: 2025B CICM Examiner Report · page 14

2025B

VIVA 8

Immunology and Haematology
85.7%Successful candidates
Opening prompt
This viva will examine immunology and haematology. How does the body defend itself against pathogens?
Current · V5 (2025) N2.ii · primary N2.i N2.iii
Official source: 2025B CICM Examiner Report · page 14