EDIC Part I study plan

Derive the KDIGO AKI staging criteria (creatinine and urine output) and apply them to three constructed clinical vignettes.

Explain the pathophysiology of pre-renal, intrinsic, and post-renal AKI and map each to the expected urinalysis and fractional excretion of sodium pattern.

Calculate derived cardiovascular variables (cardiac output, SVR, MAP, oxygen delivery) from given haemodynamic data and interpret the direction of change in shock states.

Compare the mechanisms of action and haemodynamic effects of noradrenaline, vasopressin, and dobutamine in the ICU setting.

Build a one-page AKI–haemodynamics concept map linking renal perfusion pressure, autoregulation, and vasopressor choice.

Classify acute respiratory failure by type (hypoxaemic vs hypercapnic) and by mechanism, and justify the classification for four vignettes.

Interpret arterial blood gases including compensation, anion gap, and the alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient, and identify mixed acid–base disorders.

Describe the ARDS Berlin definition and explain how lung-protective ventilation (tidal volume, PEEP, plateau pressure) modifies outcomes.

Outline the sepsis-3 definition, the role of qSOFA and SOFA, and the time-critical elements of the sepsis bundle.

Explain the inflammatory cascade in sepsis and how it contributes to vasodilation, capillary leak, and organ dysfunction.

Compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of induction agents (propofol, ketamine, etomidate, thiopentone) and select an agent for specified haemodynamic scenarios.

Explain the mechanisms, dosing principles, and reversal strategies for neuromuscular blocking agents and opioids used in critical care.

Describe the principles of pre-operative risk assessment (ASA status, functional capacity, cardiopulmonary exercise testing) and apply them to a constructed case.

Explain how organ dysfunction (renal, hepatic, cardiac) alters drug clearance and volume of distribution, and adjust dosing accordingly.

Identify clinically important drug interactions and adverse effects relevant to ICU polypharmacy.

Differentiate the common causes of community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia and outline empirical antimicrobial principles.

Explain the pathophysiology and management priorities of septic shock secondary to a defined infection source.

Describe the principles of antimicrobial stewardship, including de-escalation, duration, and therapeutic drug monitoring for aminoglycosides and vancomycin.

Outline the initial assessment and management of the comatose patient, including the Glasgow Coma Scale and pupillary examination.

Explain the pathophysiology and management of raised intracranial pressure, including the Monro–Kellie doctrine and tiered therapies.

Interpret a constructed case of traumatic brain injury and identify secondary injury prevention targets.

Distinguish study designs (RCT, cohort, case-control, cross-sectional) and identify their strengths, biases, and appropriate measures of association.

Calculate and interpret sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios, and number needed to treat from given data.

Explain the meaning and limitations of p-values, confidence intervals, and statistical power, and identify common misinterpretations.

Describe the components of an outcome measure (mortality, length of stay, quality-adjusted life years) and the concept of minimal clinically important difference.

Critically appraise a constructed abstract for internal validity, generalisability, and applicability to ICU practice.

Apply the four principles of biomedical ethics (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice) to two constructed ICU dilemmas.

Explain the doctrine of informed consent, capacity assessment, and the role of advance directives and substitute decision-makers.

Describe the ethical and legal framework for withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, including futility and resource allocation.

Explain the metabolic response to critical illness and starvation, including the roles of cortisol, catecholamines, and insulin resistance.

Outline evidence-based enteral and parenteral nutrition strategies in the ICU, including timing, caloric targets, and refeeding syndrome prevention.

Describe early mobilisation and rehabilitation principles in critically ill patients and their outcome benefits.

Integrate AKI, respiratory failure, cardiovascular, infection, and sepsis concepts by solving five multi-system ICU vignettes.

Identify the interactions between sepsis, vasopressors, renal replacement therapy, and mechanical ventilation in a single patient.

Practise prioritising interventions in a deteriorating patient using a structured ABCDE approach.

Review and correct weak areas identified in weeks 1–6 using spaced-repetition flashcards.

Complete a timed 30-question mixed-domain mock examination under exam conditions.

Consolidate the lighter domains (anaesthesia, data science, ethics, feeding/rehab/endocrine, health services research, neuro-ICU, pharmacology) through targeted retrieval practice.

Revisit and correct every previously missed question from weeks 1–7.

Explain the ethical and statistical reasoning behind at least three common ICU exam-style scenarios.

Complete a final timed 40-question full-syllabus mock examination and review all errors.

Write a personal one-page summary of high-yield facts and decision rules for each domain.