FFICM Clinical Procedures and Protocols 3

Question 1

A femoral venous catheter is inserted for vascular access. Compared to internal jugular or subclavian routes, the femoral site has a higher risk of:

Accepted Answer

Catheter-related bloodstream infection

Answer

Femoral catheters have significantly higher rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection due to proximity to perineal flora.

Question 2

During bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomy, the endoscope is advanced to visualise the needle entry point. The main advantage of bronchoscopic guidance is:

Accepted Answer

Avoidance of posterior tracheal wall injury and malposition

Answer

Bronchoscopic guidance confirms midline needle placement and visualises the posterior tracheal wall, significantly reducing posterior wall perforation.

Question 3

In the FFICM exam context, the FASCIA protocol refers to an ultrasound-guided approach for:

Accepted Answer

Focused assessment of critically ill patients (cardiac, lung, vascular, abdominal)

Answer

FASCIA is a structured point-of-care ultrasound protocol covering cardiac, lung, vascular, and abdominal assessments in ICU patients.

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct position for placing a chest drain for a large pleural effusion?

Accepted Answer

Safe triangle: 4th–5th intercostal space, anterior to latissimus dorsi, lateral to pectoralis major

Answer

The safe triangle (bounded by pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, and axilla base) at 4th–5th ICS minimises neurovascular and organ injury.

Question 5

A patient requires a suprapubic catheter insertion. Which ultrasound finding confirms it is safe to proceed?

Accepted Answer

Bladder volume > 300 mL with no bowel interposition

Answer

A bladder volume >300 mL ensures the bladder is adequately distended above the pubic symphysis, with no overlying bowel in the path.

(FFICM) Final Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine Practice Test

(FFICM) Final Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine Practice Test

FFICM Clinical Procedures and Protocols 3