Which symptom should be reported immediately after administering donepezil to a client with Alzheimer's disease?

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After administering donepezil, a medication used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, dyspnea, or difficulty in breathing, should be reported immediately. This is crucial because donepezil can sometimes lead to respiratory issues, and any respiratory distress must be addressed promptly to ensure patient safety.

In the context of donepezil, while other symptoms such as dyspepsia, diarrhea, and dizziness can occur, they are generally considered minor and not life-threatening. Dyspepsia and diarrhea are common gastrointestinal side effects associated with cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil and often do not require immediate medical intervention. Dizziness can also occur, but it is usually manageable and might not pose an urgent risk. In contrast, dyspnea signifies a potentially serious reaction that necessitates immediate assessment and intervention. Thus, monitoring for signs of respiratory issues following administration is critical in safeguarding the patient’s well-being.

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