Fellowship exam preparation
ICU Fellowship (CICM)
The Australian College of Intensive Care Medicine Fellowship — written SAQs and an oral of hot cases and cross-table vivas. Every claim anchored to a PubMed-verified source.
545Topics
116Chapters
171SAQs
68Cases
70Vivas
01Start here
Your first five minutes
- Step 1Read a verified topicStart with Abdominal Trauma — Blunt, Penetrating, FAST & Non-Operative Management — its clinical claims checked against the sources they cite.Open the topic
- Step 2Try five MCQsSingle best answer with worked explanations. Free while signed out.Practise now
- Step 3See what Pro addsThe complete library, every exam format, timed exams — one subscription.See pricing
02Begin here
Open these first
- 01Abdominal Sepsis & Peritonitis — Source Control, SBP & the PolymicrobialThe peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, usually from the intra-abdominal infection; the abdominal sepsis is the sepsis from the intra-abdominal source. The three types: the primary (the spontaneous bacterial peritonitis — the SBP in the cirrhosis and the ascites, the monomicrobial, the ascitic PMN over 250 cells per cubic mm, the cefotaxime plus the albumin), the secondary (the GI perforation or the ischaemia, the polymicrobial — the Gram-negative and the anaerobes, the source control plus the antibiotics), and the tertiary (the persistent or the recurrent after 48 hours of the failed initial treatment, the resistant — the Enterococcus, the Candida, the MDR organisms). The diagnosis: the peritonism (the rigid abdomen, the guarding, the rebound), the CT (the gold standard — the free gas, the fluid, the source), the lactate, the cultures. The management: the Sepsis-6 bundle, the broad antibiotics (the piperacillin-tazobactam ± the vancomycin ± the antifungal, or the ceftriaxone plus the metronidazole or the meropenem), the duration 4 to 7 days after the source control, and the SOURCE CONTROL (the surgery or the IR — the drainage, the debridement, the repair) — the definitive; the delayed source control worsens the mortality.GI & nutrition / surgical
- 02Abdominal Trauma — Blunt, Penetrating, FAST & Non-Operative ManagementThe abdominal trauma: the blunt (the solid organ — the spleen, the liver; the hollow viscus — the small bowel, the colon; the mesenteric) and the penetrating (the stab, the gunshot). The FAST scan (the bedside — the free fluid in the 4 views) — the rapid triage. The CT with the IV contrast (the stable patient — the grading). The laparotomy indications: the peritonitis, the hypotension unresponsive, the penetrating with the peritonitis, the evisceration. The non-operative management (the NOM) for the blunt solid organ (the spleen, the liver) if the haemodynamically stable. The angioembolisation for the contrast extravasation (the blush). The damage-control laparotomy (the physiological extremis — the open abdomen, the packing, the planned re-operation).Trauma
- 03Acid-base disorders in the ICUAcid-base interpretation is fundamental to ICU practice. Use a disciplined 9-step algorithm: (1) pH (acidaemia/alkalaemia); (2) primary process (PaCO2 vs HCO3); (3) expected compensation (Winter formula); (4) A-a gradient; (5) anion gap (albumin-corrected); (6) delta gap; (7) osmolar gap; (8) lactate; (9) clinical correlation. High-AG acidosis = GOLDMARK (glycols, oxoproline, L- and D-lactate, methanol, aspirin, renal failure, ketoacidosis). Normal-AG = hyperchloraemic (diarrhoea, RTA, saline). Metabolic alkalosis: urine chloride separates saline-responsive from resistant. Chronic respiratory acidosis: classic rules have HCO3 rising 3.5 mmol/L per 10 mmHg; human COPD data suggest more. Treat the cause, not the number — BICAR-ICU found no overall benefit from sodium bicarbonate in severe acidaemia (pH at or under 7.20) with more hypernatraemia and metabolic alkalosis, though the AKI subgroup fared better.Renal/Metabolic
03Chapters
Curriculum map
116 chapters, 545 topics. Each card shows its topic count and how many of those are source-verified.
- 01GI & nutrition / surgicalSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Pancreatitis in ICU — Atlanta Severity, Goal-Directed Fluids & the Step-Up ApproachUpper GI Bleed — Variceal & Non-Variceal — Resuscitation, Risk Scores & the Endoscopic Bundle7 topics2
- 02TraumaSource-verified topics in this chapter:Abdominal Trauma — Blunt, Penetrating, FAST & Non-Operative ManagementChest Trauma — Blunt, Penetrating, Flail Chest & Cardiac TamponadeMassive haemothorax and emergency thoracotomy (resuscitative)8 topics3
- 03Environmental emergenciesSource-verified topics in this chapter:High-Altitude Illness7 topics1
- 04Renal/MetabolicSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acid-base disorders in the ICUAcute kidney injury: prevention and nephroprotection in ICUAcute severe hyperkalaemia: emergency management algorithm+8 more11 topics11
- 05Acid–base1 topic0
- 06CardiovascularSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute coronary syndromes (STEMI, NSTEMI, unstable angina)Acute decompensated heart failure — comprehensive ICU management (ADHF, cardiogenic shock overlap)Acute decompensated heart failure: NIV, diuretics, inotropes, and MCS in ICU+9 more30 topics12
- 07Cardiovascular / aortic1 topic0
- 08toxicologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Digoxin Toxicity — Comprehensive ICU ManagementAcute Organophosphate and Nerve Agent PoisoningAcute Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Overdose — Comprehensive ICU Management+18 more40 topics21
- 09GastroenterologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute liver failure: King's College criteria, transplant, and liver support6 topics1
- 10Cardiovascular / ACS1 topic0
- 11environmental5 topics0
- 12Obs/GynaeSource-verified topics in this chapter:Obstetric emergencies in the ICU3 topics1
- 13gi-nutritionSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy — Comprehensive ICU Management (West Haven, Lactulose, Rifaximin, Cerebral Oedema, Nutrition)Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF)Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) — Comprehensive ICU Management+4 more18 topics7
- 14neurocritical-careSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Raised Intracranial Pressure and Traumatic Brain Injury — Comprehensive Neurocritical CareAcute severe head injury: multimodal monitoringAcute stroke: ischaemic and haemorrhagic+12 more22 topics15
- 15Neurocritical care / vascularSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Ischaemic Stroke — Thrombolysis, Thrombectomy & HemicraniectomyIntracerebral Haemorrhage — ICH Score, BP Control & Surgery2 topics2
- 16RenalSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapyContinuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) — Comprehensive ICU Management3 topics2
- 17Renal and metabolicSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute kidney injury: KDIGO staging, prevention, biomarkers, and RRT timingAcute severe hypernatraemia: causes, correction rate, and diabetes insipidusAcute severe hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia: ECG, repletion, and refractory causes+3 more9 topics6
- 18ResuscitationSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute limb ischaemia: embolic vs thrombotic, and emergency managementAcute Severe Anaphylaxis — Comprehensive Peri-Arrest ManagementAcute severe community-acquired pneumonia: outpatient to ICU care pathway+17 more32 topics20
- 19GI and nutrition4 topics0
- 20Respiratory / airway emergenciesSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Massive Haemoptysis — Comprehensive ICU Management1 topic1
- 21infectious-diseasesSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Neutropenic Sepsis — Comprehensive ICU ManagementAcute severe community-acquired pneumonia: comprehensive ICU pathway (sepsis, ARDS, empiric therapy, corticosteroids)Acute severe community-acquired pneumonia: ICU pathway, empiric therapy, and complications+8 more20 topics11
- 22obstetricSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Postpartum Haemorrhage — Comprehensive ICU ManagementPre-eclampsia with severe features, eclampsia, and HELLP: ICU management2 topics2
- 23RespiratorySource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute pulmonary oedema: cardiogenic vs non-cardiogenic differentiationAcute severe asthma in the ICU (status asthmaticus)Acute severe community-acquired pneumonia: pulmonary complications and ARDS+9 more44 topics12
- 24PharmacologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Antiarrhythmics — Vaughan-Williams ClassificationAntibiotic pharmacokinetics in critical illnessAnticoagulants & Antithrombotics — Pharmacology+15 more24 topics18
- 25haematology-coagulationSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Severe Anticoagulation Reversal — Warfarin, DOACs & Heparin in the ICUCatastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS) in the ICUDisseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) — Bleeding AND Thrombosis+4 more8 topics7
- 26Antimicrobial StewardshipSource-verified topics in this chapter:Antimicrobial resistance in the ICU: mechanisms, organisms, and managementClostridioides difficile infection in the ICUFungal infections in the ICU: candidaemia and aspergillosis9 topics3
- 27Ethics14 topics0
- 28Rehabilitation9 topics0
- 29Respiratory / ventilationSource-verified topics in this chapter:Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilators — Nitric Oxide & Inhaled ProstacyclinPleural Disease — Effusion, Pneumothorax & Chest DrainsWeaning from Mechanical Ventilation — SBT, Protocols & Prolonged Weaning18 topics3
- 30endocrineSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute Severe DKA and HHS — Comprehensive Integrated Diabetic EmergenciesAcute Thyroid Storm and Myxoedema Coma — Comprehensive Thyroid EmergenciesAdrenal insufficiency and Addisonian crisis+3 more7 topics6
- 31oncologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Hypercalcaemia of malignancyImmune Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity in the ICU6 topics2
- 32HaematologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute sickle cell crisis in the ICUAcute transfusion reactions: TRALI, TACO, allergic, haemolytic, and septicThrombotic microangiopathy: TTP, HUS, and aHUS in ICU5 topics3
- 33NeurocriticalSource-verified topics in this chapter:Acute stroke in ICU: ischaemic, haemorrhagic, and neurocritical careICU-acquired weakness: critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy3 topics2
- 34Endocrine & metabolic emergenciesSource-verified topics in this chapter:Adrenal Crisis & Corticosteroid ReplacementHypoglycaemiaSIADH & Diabetes Insipidus6 topics3
- 35Monitoring / haemodynamics1 topic0
- 36Advanced respiratory supportSource-verified topics in this chapter:Advanced Respiratory Support — NIV, Weaning and Tracheostomy1 topic1
- 37Anatomy7 topics0
- 38Airway managementSource-verified topics in this chapter:Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) & Its Drugs11 topics1
- 39Infection / pharmacologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Aminoglycosides — Gentamicin, Tobramycin, Amikacin & the Three ToxicitiesAntifungals — Azoles, Echinocandins & Amphotericin BAntivirals — Aciclovir, Oseltamivir & the Anti-COVID Agents+2 more7 topics5
- 40Obstetric critical careSource-verified topics in this chapter:Amniotic Fluid EmbolismObstetric Haemorrhage & DICPre-eclampsia, Eclampsia & HELLP Syndrome7 topics3
- 41Haematology / transfusionSource-verified topics in this chapter:Transfusion — Products, Thresholds, TRALI & TACO2 topics1
- 42Resuscitation & shockSource-verified topics in this chapter:Anaphylaxis & Anaphylactic ShockEndpoints of Resuscitation — Lactate, ScvO2, Mottling, Urine, Capillary RefillHypovolaemic & Haemorrhagic Shock+1 more9 topics4
- 43InfectiousSource-verified topics in this chapter:Tropical infections in ICU: melioidosis, leptospirosis, typhoid2 topics1
- 44Antimicrobial therapy1 topic0
- 45Applied pharmacologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Applied Pharmacology — Vasoactives, Sedatives and Paralysers1 topic1
- 46Applied physiologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Applied Physiology — Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Renal, Neuro, GI and the Stress Response1 topic1
- 47Physiology / haematology immunology1 topic0
- 48first-part-physiologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Cellular Physiology and Membrane Potentials — ComprehensiveEndocrine Physiology in Critical Illness — Comprehensive5 topics2
- 49Neurocritical care / monitoring3 topics0
- 50BurnsSource-verified topics in this chapter:Burn Resuscitation Fluids (Parkland)Electrical & Chemical Burns7 topics2
- 51Haematology / immunotherapySource-verified topics in this chapter:CAR-T & Cytokine Release Syndrome — Tocilizumab, ICANS & the ASTCT Grading1 topic1
- 52Cardiovascular / cardiomyopathy1 topic0
- 53Physiology / cellularSource-verified topics in this chapter:Cellular Physiology & Membrane Potentials1 topic1
- 54Neurocritical care / infectiousSource-verified topics in this chapter:CNS Infections — Meningitis, Encephalitis & Brain Abscess1 topic1
- 55Ethics / communication1 topic0
- 56ObstetricsSource-verified topics in this chapter:Critical illness in pregnancy: ICU management and obstetric emergencies1 topic1
- 57Monitoring / echocardiography1 topic0
- 58Neurocritical care / neuromuscular3 topics0
- 59Renal / RRTSource-verified topics in this chapter:CRRT — Circuit, Prescription, Anticoagulation & TroubleshootingRenal Replacement Therapy Modalities — IHD vs CVVH vs CVVHDF vs SLEDSustained Low-Efficiency Dialysis (SLED) — The Hybrid Modality3 topics3
- 60DiagnosticsSource-verified topics in this chapter:CURB-65 and PSI: pneumonia severity scoring and risk stratification4 topics1
- 61Delirium & sleep1 topic0
- 62Statistics & evidence-based medicine3 topics0
- 63Transplant / organ donation1 topic0
- 64Equipment, physics & clinical measurementSource-verified topics in this chapter:Humidification3 topics1
- 65ElectrolytesSource-verified topics in this chapter:Electrolyte Disorders in Critical Illness — Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphate1 topic1
- 66Physiology / endocrineSource-verified topics in this chapter:Endocrine Physiology1 topic1
- 67Equipment & physicsSource-verified topics in this chapter:Equipment & Physics — Monitors, Humidification, Suction, Ventilators and SafetyRenal Replacement Therapy Equipment — Comprehensive (Haemofilter Membranes, Diffusion vs Convection, the RRT Circuit and Pressures, Regional Citrate)5 topics2
- 68Ethics, EOL & communication1 topic0
- 69ECMO1 topic0
- 70Infection / general1 topic0
- 71Renal / fluids1 topic0
- 72Physiology / GI hepatic1 topic0
- 73Hepatobiliary / neurocritical careSource-verified topics in this chapter:Hepatic Encephalopathy — Ammonia, Lactulose, Rifaximin & the Precipitant1 topic1
- 74Respiratory / oxygen therapy2 topics0
- 75Respiratory / gas exchange2 topics0
- 76Cardiovascular / hypertension1 topic0
- 77Ethics and quality3 topics0
- 78Obstetric / pharmacotherapy1 topic0
- 79NutritionSource-verified topics in this chapter:ICU nutrition: enteral vs parenteral, timing, protein, and refeeding syndromeRefeeding syndrome: phosphate, thiamine, and prevention in ICU2 topics2
- 80Procedural2 topics0
- 81ICU-acquired infection2 topics0
- 82Cardiovascular / infectionSource-verified topics in this chapter:Infective Endocarditis1 topic1
- 83Renal / acid-baseSource-verified topics in this chapter:Lactic Acidosis — Type A, B & D, MALA, and Lactate Clearance3 topics1
- 84Haematology / traumaSource-verified topics in this chapter:Massive Transfusion & Trauma Coagulopathy — The Lethal Triad, TXA & 1:1:11 topic1
- 85Neurocritical care / post-arrest1 topic0
- 86Infection / oncologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Neutropenic Sepsis — The Golden Hour & the Antipseudomonal Beta-Lactam1 topic1
- 87UncataloguedSource-verified topics in this chapter:Toxic megacolon and acute severe colitis2 topics1
- 88Haematology / oncologySource-verified topics in this chapter:Oncologic Emergencies — TLS, Hypercalcaemia, Hyperviscosity, SVC, Cord Compression, Neutropenic Sepsis & Checkpoint Toxicity1 topic1
- 89Oxygen & gas exchangeSource-verified topics in this chapter:Oxygen and Gas Exchange1 topic1
- 90Respiratory / monitoring2 topics0
- 91Cardiovascular / pericardialSource-verified topics in this chapter:Pericardial Disease — Tamponade, Pericarditis & Constriction1 topic1
- 92Perioperative critical careSource-verified topics in this chapter:Perioperative Critical Care1 topic1
- 93Monitoring / ultrasound2 topics0
- 94Post-cardiac arrest careSource-verified topics in this chapter:Post-Cardiac Arrest Care and Targeted Temperature Management1 topic1
- 95Transplant / pharmacology1 topic0
- 96Cardiovascular / vascular surgery1 topic0
- 97Cardiovascular / perioperativeSource-verified topics in this chapter:Postoperative Complications in the ICU1 topic1
- 98Sedation / procedural1 topic0
- 99Quality / safety1 topic0
- 100GI & nutrition / metabolicSource-verified topics in this chapter:Refeeding Syndrome — Hypophosphataemia, Thiamine & the Low-and-Slow Refeed1 topic1
- 101Sedation & paralysis1 topic0
- 102GI & nutrition / infectionSource-verified topics in this chapter:Severe Diarrhoea & C. difficile — Toxins, Severity & the Vancomycin/Fidaxomicin Era1 topic1
- 103Shock statesSource-verified topics in this chapter:Shock States — Classification, Profiles and Management1 topic1
- 104Haematology / haemoglobinopathySource-verified topics in this chapter:Sickle-Cell Crisis — Vaso-Occlusive, Acute Chest & Exchange Transfusion1 topic1
- 105Transplant / immunology1 topic0
- 106Infection / surgical1 topic0
- 107Trauma / neurocritical care1 topic0
- 108Statistics & evidence1 topic0
- 109Neurocritical care / seizuresSource-verified topics in this chapter:Status Epilepticus & Refractory Status Epilepticus1 topic1
- 110Seizures & weaknessSource-verified topics in this chapter:Status Epilepticus, Guillain-Barré and Myasthenia Gravis1 topic1
- 111Respiratory / acid-baseSource-verified topics in this chapter:Systematic Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation1 topic1
- 112Oncology & immunocompromisedSource-verified topics in this chapter:The Oncology and Immunocompromised Patient in the ICU1 topic1
- 113Physiology / thermoregulation1 topic0
- 114Trauma & burns1 topic0
- 115Infection / global healthSource-verified topics in this chapter:Tropical & Global Infections — Malaria, Dengue, TB, Influenza & COVID1 topic1
- 116Cardiovascular / valvular1 topic0
04Formats
How ICU is practised
- Topics545Curriculum domains with PubMed-verified evidence.
- SAQs171Second- and First-Part SAQs with model answers.
- Cases68Long case, short case, and bedside hot case.
- Vivas70Data, imaging, equipment, and communication vivas.
PubMed-cited claims · MCQ, SAQ, case and viva formats · Educational exam preparation only — not medical advice.