A nurse in a long-term care facility is providing care for a client who has been receiving donepezil. Which of the following findings indicates that the medication is effective?

A. Increased food intake: While improved appetite may be beneficial, it is not a direct indicator of donepezil’s effectiveness. Donepezil primarily targets cognitive function rather than appetite or nutritional intake. B. Improved short-term memory: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that enhances cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain, particularly in areas involved in memory and learning. Improvement in short-term memory reflects the medication’s intended pharmacologic effect in slowing cognitive decline in clients with Alzheimer’s disease. C. Enhanced mood: Mood changes are not the primary target of donepezil. Although improved cognition may indirectly affect emotional well-being, mood enhancement alone does not signify therapeutic efficacy of this medication. D. Can perform ADLs independently: While maintaining independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) is a positive outcome, it may be influenced by multiple factors including physical health and environmental support. It is not a direct measure of donepezil’s effect on cognition.