Question

A patient is scheduled for a procedure using IV contrast dye. He is inquiring about if and when he should take his morning dose of metformin. What should the nurse practitioner tell the patient?

a. Hold morning dose
b. Take one extra dose the night before the procedure
c. Hold dose for 48 hours before procedure
d. Continue as prescribed

Answer 1

The nurse practitioner should advise the patient to hold the morning dose of metformin on the day of the procedure involving IV contrast dye. After the procedure, metformin should be withheld for 48 hours and can be resumed once kidney function is re-assessed and confirmed to be normal.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient is scheduled for a procedure that involves intravenous (IV) contrast dye and they are taking metformin, it is generally recommended to hold the morning dose of metformin on the day of the procedure. The reason for this is because the IV contrast dye used during certain radiologic procedures can temporarily impair kidney function, which increases the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication. Therefore, the nurse practitioner should instruct the patient to hold the morning dose of metformin.

After the procedure, metformin should be withheld for 48 hours and resumed only after kidney function has been re-evaluated and found to be normal. This careful management helps to ensure that the patient's risk of complications is minimized.