What common complication should parents be instructed to report after their infant's discharge with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt?

Parents should be instructed to report fever accompanied by decreased responsiveness following their infant's discharge with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to the serious implications it may indicate. A fever, especially in the presence of decreased responsiveness, could be a sign of a potential infection, such as shunt infection or meningitis. This is particularly critical as infections can lead to significant complications in infants with shunts, potentially jeopardizing their health and requiring immediate medical attention.

In this context, fever is an alarming symptom, as it can signal that the body is fighting an infection, while decreased responsiveness may indicate neurological involvement, suggesting that the central nervous system might be affected. Given that infants have developing immune systems, they are at increased risk for rapid deterioration if an infection occurs. Prompt reporting can facilitate timely interventions, which are crucial to prevent further complications.

While frequent vomiting, weight loss, and increased irritability are symptoms that should also be monitored, they do not carry the same immediate concern for a potentially life-threatening condition associated with shunt placement. Therefore, monitoring for fever and altered levels of consciousness is particularly emphasized.