How should adverse drug reactions or unexpected side effects be reported?

• A. Observe, document, notify the nurse/physician, and report via appropriate incident/ADE reporting channels per policy.
• B. Ignore unless life-threatening.
• C. Report to family only.
• D. Post publicly on social media.

Answer: (A)

When an adverse drug reaction or unexpected side effect occurs, follow the facility’s formal reporting process. Start by observing and documenting exactly what happened, including the patient’s name, the medication involved, dose and route, when it was given, the symptoms or changes observed, and any vital signs or interventions. Then notify the nurse in charge or the prescribing physician so they can assess and manage the situation. Finally, report through the appropriate incident or adverse drug event reporting channels as defined by the facility policy. This structured approach helps protect the patient, enables timely treatment adjustments, and contributes to safety monitoring and quality improvement.

Avoid informal routes such as telling family members or posting on social media, and never ignore the event. These steps ensure confidentiality and that the report reaches the right people and systems for follow-up.