Question

A nurse is caring for a client with Alzheimer's and a new prescription for donepezil. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a. Monitor the client's liver function while taking this medication.
b. Increase the dosage of this medication every 72 hours.
c. Offer the client a PRN NSAID while taking this medication.
d. Administer the medication at bedtime.

Answer 1

For a client with Alzheimer's and a new prescription for donepezil, the nurse should administer the medication at bedtime and monitor the client's liver function, as donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor and may have hepatotoxic effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with Alzheimer's disease who has a new prescription for donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, the nurse should administer the medication at bedtime. This is due to the fact that donepezil can cause sleep disturbances, and taking it at night may help to minimize its impact on the client's sleep pattern. It is important to monitor the client's liver function while taking this medication because donepezil can have hepatotoxic effects. The dosage of donepezil should not be increased every 72 hours; instead, dosage adjustments are made based on clinical response and tolerance, usually over weeks or months. Offering a PRN NSAID is not specifically related to donepezil administration but may be considered for other symptoms if appropriately indicated.