Practice Test Geeks(FFICM) Final Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine Practice Test
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FFICM Organ System Failure and Support Flashcards

6 cards from real FFICM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 FFICM Organ System Failure and Support flashcards as text

  1. Which inotrope acts primarily via phosphodiesterase-3 inhibition, increasing cAMP to improve cardiac contractility?

    Answer: Milrinone

    Milrinone inhibits phosphodiesterase-3, preventing cAMP breakdown, thereby increasing intracellular calcium and improving myocardial contractility while also causing vasodilation.

  2. In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which laboratory pattern is most characteristic?

    Answer: Prolonged PT/aPTT, low fibrinogen, elevated D-dimer, thrombocytopenia

    DIC is characterized by simultaneous consumption of clotting factors and platelets (low fibrinogen, thrombocytopenia) and fibrinolysis (elevated D-dimer) with elevated PT and aPTT.

  3. What is the primary pathophysiology of Type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-AKI)?

    Answer: Severe renal vasoconstriction from portal hypertension-driven splanchnic vasodilation

    HRS-AKI results from extreme renal vasoconstriction triggered by compensatory neurohormonal activation in response to effective arterial underfilling from splanchnic vasodilation in cirrhosis.

  4. Which ventilatory pattern is characteristic of Kussmaul breathing seen in severe metabolic acidosis?

    Answer: Deep, rapid, regular respirations

    Kussmaul breathing consists of deep, rapid, regular respirations that represent the respiratory system's compensatory attempt to blow off CO2 and correct metabolic acidosis.

  5. In the management of status epilepticus refractory to benzodiazepines, what is the recommended second-line antiepileptic agent?

    Answer: Levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, or valproate IV

    Current guidelines recommend IV levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, or valproate as equivalent second-line options for established status epilepticus after benzodiazepine failure.

  6. Which nutritional route is preferred in critically ill patients who have a functioning gastrointestinal tract?

    Answer: Enteral nutrition via nasogastric or post-pyloric tube

    Enteral nutrition is preferred over parenteral nutrition in critically ill patients with a functioning gut because it preserves gut mucosal integrity, reduces infection risk, and is more physiological.

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