An older adult patient has confusion, memory loss, and disorientation in familiar surroundings. the patient has been taking donepezil (Aricept) 10mg once daily for 6 months. The patient's symptoms have begun to worsen, and the patient's spouse asks if the medication dose can be increased. What will the nurse tell the spouse?

A. There is no requirement to wait 1 year before considering a dose increase of donepezil. Dose titration is based on clinical response and tolerance, not a fixed 12-month period. B. Donepezil is always administered once daily, either in the morning or at bedtime. Splitting the dose or giving it twice daily is not recommended and does not improve efficacy. C. Donepezil can be titrated to a higher dose (commonly 23 mg/day in extended-release form) after the patient has been on a stable dose (such as 10 mg/day) for at least 3 months, assuming the patient tolerates the medication without significant adverse effects. Dose escalation may help improve cognitive function if symptoms are worsening, but it should be done under provider supervision. D. While donepezil can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, bradycardia, or dizziness, hepatotoxicity is rare, and worsening cognitive symptoms are more likely due to disease progression rather than liver toxicity.