A parent of a 6-month-old infant claims the child is allergic to ibuprofen. What is the most appropriate response from the nurse?

The most appropriate response involves asking the parent, "What happens when your child takes ibuprofen?" This approach is crucial because it seeks to understand the nature and specifics of the child's reaction to ibuprofen. Knowing what symptoms the child experiences can help discern whether it's a true allergic reaction or an intolerance, which is vital for determining appropriate future care and medication alternatives.

By gathering detailed information about the child's response, the nurse can assess the severity of the reaction and make informed decisions regarding the child’s healthcare. This response also encourages the parent to provide more context about their child's health, fostering better communication and understanding between the parent and the healthcare provider.

Asking about an allergy to other medications or the frequency of ibuprofen administration might provide useful information, but these questions do not directly address the immediate concern of understanding the child's specific reaction to ibuprofen. Recording the allergy in the chart without more information may not be wise until the nurse has a clear understanding of the situation. Hence, the response that focuses on the specific adverse reaction is the most informative and supportive for the parent and the child’s care.