A nurse has been assigned to an internal disaster drill team and is triaging clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse classify with a green tag?

Choice A reason: Performing ADLs independently is not a specific indicator of donepezil’s effectiveness, as it treats cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer’s, not physical function. While improved cognition may indirectly aid ADLs, this outcome is too broad and not directly tied to the medication’s primary action, making it incorrect.
Choice B reason: Increased food intake is not an expected outcome of donepezil, which targets acetylcholinesterase to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s. Appetite changes are unrelated to its mechanism, and this finding does not indicate effectiveness, making it an incorrect measure of the drug’s impact.
Choice C reason: Enhanced mood is not a primary effect of donepezil, which focuses on slowing cognitive decline. While mood may improve indirectly, it is not a direct indicator of efficacy. Other medications address mood in Alzheimer’s, making this finding less relevant and incorrect.
Choice D reason: Improved short-term memory is a key indicator of donepezil’s effectiveness, as it increases acetylcholine levels to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s. Enhanced memory reflects the drug’s intended action, aligning with clinical expectations, making this the correct measure of therapeutic success.

Choice A reason: Beneficence, acting for patient benefit, is not breached, as both clients receive care and supplies, albeit differently. Unequal distribution reflects access issues, not failure to promote well-being, making beneficence less relevant than justice in addressing this ethical concern.
Choice B reason: Nonmaleficence, avoiding harm, is not violated, as both clients access supplies without direct harm. The inequality in delivery method raises fairness concerns, not harm, making justice the primary ethical principle breached in this scenario of differential treatment.
Choice C reason: Justice, ensuring fair treatment, is breached when one client receives supplies directly and another must seek them externally due to insurance status. This inequality in resource access violates equitable care principles, critical in healthcare ethics to ensure fairness across patient populations.
Choice D reason: Autonomy, respecting patient choices, is not breached, as both clients receive care consistent with their needs. The issue lies in unequal resource access, not decision-making restrictions, making justice the relevant ethical principle over autonomy in this scenario.