Which precaution is not included when using IV nitroprusside?

When using IV nitroprusside, one of the key precautions is monitoring for sudden decreases in blood pressure, as this medication can cause rapid changes in hemodynamics. This requires continuous blood pressure monitoring to ensure the patient's safety and to respond promptly to any adverse changes.

Additionally, it's important to monitor for thiocyanate toxicity, particularly in cases of prolonged use, since nitroprusside can break down into thiocyanate, which can accumulate in the body and lead to toxicity, especially in patients with impaired renal function.

Assessing renal function is also critical, as patients with renal impairment may have a reduced ability to eliminate thiocyanate, increasing the risk of toxicity.

Administering nitroprusside at a slow rate is not a standard precaution; rather, it is generally administered as a continuous infusion and may need to be adjusted based on the patient's blood pressure response. The focus is not on a "slow rate" but rather on effective titration and close monitoring of effects, which makes this choice less relevant in the context of precautions.