Which measure is recommended to reduce the incidence of contrast-induced renal failure in patients with renal insufficiency?

• A. Increasing oral fluids and administering saline
• B. Decreasing fluid intake
• C. Using higher-osmolar contrast
• D. Avoiding hydration

Answer: (A)

Hydration around the time of contrast exposure reduces the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with renal impairment. Giving fluids, especially with IV isotonic saline, helps maintain renal perfusion, dilutes the contrast agent in the tubules, and minimizes medullary ischemia and tubular injury. This protective effect is why increasing oral fluids and administering saline is the recommended approach. Decreasing fluid intake or avoiding hydration would worsen kidney perfusion and increase CIN risk, and using higher-osmolar contrast raises nephrotoxicity risk rather than mitigate it.