A nurse is educating the parents of a pediatric patient who recently had a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placed to treat hydrocephalus. Which statement by the parents indicates the most critical understanding about care and potential complications?

A. Limiting physical activity and keeping the child in bed is incorrect because children with VP shunts do not need prolonged bed rest. Normal activity is encouraged as long as it is safe; the shunt is designed to withstand routine movement. B. Managing fever with over-the-counter medications and waiting 3 days to call the provider is incorrect because fever may indicate a shunt infection, which is a medical emergency. Prompt assessment is essential for early intervention. C. Flushing the shunt at home is incorrect because VP shunts should never be flushed by caregivers; doing so could cause serious injury or infection. Shunt function is monitored by observing for signs of malfunction, not by manual flushing. D. Watching for sudden vomiting, headache, or changes in behavior and notifying the provider immediately is correct because these are key signs of shunt malfunction or increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening. Early recognition and prompt medical evaluation are critical for preventing complications such as brain damage or infection.