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?

The correct answer is C: Improved short-term memory. Donepezil is a medication commonly used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by improving cognitive function, including memory. Therefore, if the client shows improvement in their short-term memory, it indicates the medication is effective. Increased food intake (A) may not directly relate to the medication's effectiveness. The ability to perform ADLs independently (B) may show overall functional improvement but does not specifically indicate the medication's effectiveness in treating cognitive symptoms. Enhanced mood (D) may be a positive outcome but does not directly reflect the medication's effectiveness in improving memory.