Alaska Hairdresser and Barber Certification Practice Exam

What action should be taken immediately if a client has an allergic reaction to a product?

1. Apply cold water

2. Call for medical help

3. Use a towel to absorb the product

4. Ignore it if it's minor

The correct answer is: Call for medical help

The appropriate action to take if a client has an allergic reaction to a product is to call for medical help. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and health of the client above all else when they show signs of an allergic reaction, which can range from mild to severe. Allergic reactions can escalate quickly, potentially resulting in life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or anaphylaxis. Professional medical intervention is necessary to assess the severity of the situation and to provide the appropriate treatment, which may include medications like antihistamines or epinephrine. While applying cold water, using a towel to absorb the product, or ignoring minor symptoms might seem like immediate responses in specific contexts, these options do not adequately address the potential danger of an allergic reaction. Cold water might provide temporary relief for minor irritations but does not mitigate serious reactions. Absorbing the product could temporarily prevent further skin contact but does not address the body's internal response if the product has already been absorbed. Ignoring any signs of an allergic reaction risks allowing the situation to worsen, which could have serious consequences for the client’s health.