A client with a brain tumor is admitted for surgery. The health care provider prescribes levetiracetam. The client asks why. What is the nurse's response?

Question

A client with a brain tumor is admitted for surgery.  The health care provider prescribes levetiracetam.  The client asks why.   What is the nurse's response?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Levetiracetam (Keppra) is a medication often used to treat seizures in various settings. It has minimal drug-drug interactions compared to phenytoin and is often the preferred antiepileptic medication. (Option A) Chemotherapy and radiation therapy would kill tumor cells and reduce tumor size. (Option C) Hospitalized clients and clients with malignancy are at higher risk for venous thromboembolism. These clients would benefit from anticoagulation (eg, heparin, enoxaparin, rivaroxaban, apixaban). (Option D) Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is used to treat cerebral edema associated with a brain injury/tumor by decreasing inflammation. Educational objective: Levetiracetam (Keppra) is a medication often used to treat seizures in various settings. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and cerebral edema in clients with brain injury and tumors.

A Client with a Brain Tumor Is Admitted for Surgery