Question

Which of the following statements is true regarding patients receiving metformin therapy for type 2 diabetes and IV contrast-enhanced CT examinations?

1. Metformin therapy is a direct contraindication to administration of IV contrast agents.
2. The patient should not take metformin for up to 2 days following administration of an IV contrast agent.
3. After administration of an IV contrast agent, the patient may need renal function testing before resuming metformin therapy.
A. 1 only
B. 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

For patients on metformin therapy undergoing IV contrast-enhanced CT examinations, metformin should be withheld for 48 hours post-procedure, and renal function may need to be tested before resuming metformin therapy. This correct answer is C. 2 and 3 only.

Step-by-step explanation:

When patients receiving metformin therapy for type 2 diabetes undergo IV contrast-enhanced CT examinations, it is not a direct contraindication to receive IV contrast agents. However, the following precautions should be taken:
2. Metformin should be withheld for 48 hours after the administration of the contrast medium.
3. Renal function testing may be necessary before resuming metformin therapy to ensure that the kidneys can eliminate the contrast medium and metformin without causing an accumulation that may lead to lactic acidosis.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. 2 and 3 only, which means that Statement 2 and Statement 3 are true regarding patients on metformin therapy undergoing IV contrast-enhanced imaging.