What must a caregiver do if a child experiences an adverse reaction to a medication?

• A. Immediately report the reaction to a health-care professional and the child's parent, and document in the child's medical record
• B. Document only
• C. Stop medication permanently without notification
• D. Wait 48 hours before reporting

Answer: (A)

Prompt reporting and thorough documentation are critical when a child has an adverse drug reaction. The caregiver should immediately inform the prescribing health-care professional and the child’s parent, and record the event in the medical record with details like the drug name, dose, time of administration, symptoms, and actions taken. This enables timely medical assessment, potential changes to therapy, and ensures continuity of care and safety records. Merely documenting without notifying a clinician and parent delays care; stopping the medication without guidance can be dangerous; and waiting 48 hours is not appropriate because some reactions can escalate quickly.