🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 70-year-old man with a history of chronic kidney disease (baseline creatinine 1.8 mg/dL) is scheduled for a coronary angiogram requiring intravenous contrast. What is the most appropriate prophylactic measure to minimize the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy?

A Administer oral N-acetylcysteine
B Initiate hemodialysis prior to the procedure
C Hydrate with intravenous normal saline
D Prescribe a loop diuretic post-procedure

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Intravenous hydration with normal saline before and after contrast administration is the most effective and evidence-based strategy to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy, especially in patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease.

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