What should a nurse do for a client receiving nitroprusside via continuous IV infusion?

Choosing to limit or remove the IV bag from exposure to light is crucial when administering nitroprusside via continuous IV infusion. Nitroglycerin is photosensitive, meaning that light can cause the medication to degrade, leading to reduced efficacy and potentially harmful effects for the patient. Therefore, covering the IV bag with an opaque material or using a light-protective container helps preserve the drug's potency and ensures that the client receives the full therapeutic benefit of the medication.

While other actions are also important in the management of nitroprusside administration, they do not directly focus on the critical aspect of light sensitivity. Regularly changing the IV site is essential for preventing infection or phlebitis, but it is not as specific to the proper handling of this medication. Infusing it at a faster rate can lead to severe hypotension and other complications, contradicting safe administration principles. Assessing vital signs every 30 minutes may be necessary for monitoring hemodynamic status, but frequent assessment alone does not address the unique requirements of nitroprusside regarding light exposure.