Parents of a 10-year-old child on levetiracetam for new-onset epilepsy report new irritability, aggression, an…

Question

Parents of a 10-year-old child on levetiracetam for new-onset epilepsy report new irritability, aggression, and emotional outbursts since starting therapy. Which is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

Option 1: "Levetiracetam can cause irritability and behavioral changes; notify the prescriber — pyridoxine (B6) supplementation or a medication change may be considered."

Correct (2): Behavioral adverse effects — irritability, aggression, mood changes, depression, suicidal ideation — are well-documented levetiracetam side effects, especially in children and adolescents. Some clinicians add pyridoxine (B6) which may attenuate symptoms; otherwise switching agents. (1) Dismisses a known adverse effect. (3) Higher dose worsens behavior. (4) Abrupt discontinuation risks seizure rebound.

Answer

Option 2: "Stop the medication immediately at home without contacting the provider."

Answer

Option 3: "Double the dose to improve seizure control and behavior."

Answer

Option 4: "This is unrelated to the medication; consider a behavioral evaluation."

Parents of a 10-year-old child on levetiracetam for new-onset epilepsy report new irritability, aggression, and emotional outbursts since starting therapy. Which is the nurse's best response?

In-depth explanation

Clinical scenario

Key concepts

Master the NCLEX-RN with MyMerci

성장을 멈추지 마세요

Parents of a 10-year-old child on levetiracetam for new-onset epilepsy report new irritability, aggression, and emotional outbursts since starting therapy. Which is the nurse's best response?

In-depth explanation

Clinical scenario

Key concepts

Master the NCLEX-RN with MyMerci