Montana Cosmetology Licensure Practice Exam

What should you do if a product causes an adverse reaction during a treatment?

1. Continue the treatment

2. Stop the treatment immediately and seek medical help if necessary

3. Wait to see if it worsens

4. Change the product without notifying the client

The correct answer is: Stop the treatment immediately and seek medical help if necessary

If a product causes an adverse reaction during a treatment, the appropriate action is to stop the treatment immediately and seek medical help if necessary. This response prioritizes the safety and well-being of the client, which is paramount in a cosmetology practice. Continuing with the treatment, regardless of the reaction, could exacerbate the issue and lead to further harm or complications for the client. Stopping the treatment allows for a swift assessment of the situation, providing the opportunity to address any discomfort or adverse effects that the client may be experiencing. In some cases, medical assistance may be necessary, especially if the reaction is severe, such as an allergic response or skin irritation that requires professional evaluation and treatment. Monitoring to see if the reaction worsens, rather than taking immediate action, could lead to delays in getting appropriate care. Additionally, changing the product without informing the client not only undermines trust but may also introduce further risks if the new product causes similar or different reactions. Therefore, prioritizing immediate cessation of the treatment and seeking help ensures ethical and responsible practice in cosmetology.