Ontario Registered Pharmacy Technician (RphT) Practice Exam 2026 - Free RphT Practice Questions and Study Guide

When a patient reports a side effect, the appropriate response is to document the side effect, notify the pharmacist, and counsel the patient on the next steps. This response is fundamental in ensuring patient safety and continuity of care.

Documenting the side effect creates a formal record that can be referenced in the future, aids in medication safety monitoring, and can contribute to the overall understanding of the medication's safety profile over time. Notifying the pharmacist is also crucial, as pharmacists have the expertise to assess the significance of the side effect and determine whether any changes to medication therapy are necessary. Counseling the patient on the next steps is important to help them understand what action to take, whether it involves adjusting medication, addressing symptoms, or seeking further medical attention. This comprehensive approach fosters trust between the patient and the pharmacy team and is in line with best practices for patient care.

In contrast, ignoring the report would be irresponsible, as side effects can lead to serious health issues. Suggesting the patient stop taking the medication without proper consultation could lead to inadequate treatment of their condition or withdrawal symptoms. Similarly, advising the patient to consult their physician without taking any initial actions could delay critical interventions that might be needed, making it vital for pharmacy technicians to take a proactive and systematic