A nurse is caring for a client who has severe hypertension and is to receive nitroprusside via continuous IV infusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Protect the IV bag from exposure to light: Nitroprusside is light-sensitive and degrades when exposed to light, reducing its potency and effectiveness. It must be protected with an opaque covering. B. Keep calcium gluconate at the client’s bedside: Incorrect. Calcium gluconate is used to treat hyperkalemia or calcium imbalances, not for nitroprusside administration. C. Attach an inline filter to the IV tubing: Incorrect. An inline filter is not typically required for nitroprusside. D. Monitor blood pressure every 2 hr: Incorrect. Continuous or frequent monitoring (every 5-15 minutes) is necessary due to the rapid effects of nitroprusside on blood pressure.