Which is a common symptom of VP shunt blockage?

A common symptom of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt blockage is fever. When a VP shunt becomes blocked, it can lead to increased intracranial pressure due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that cannot be drained effectively. This increased pressure can potentially cause infection or an inflammatory response, which may manifest as fever.

Fever is often a significant and concerning symptom in this context, as it can indicate a shunt infection or other complications related to the malfunction of the shunt. Monitoring for fever in patients with a VP shunt is essential, as it may necessitate immediate medical evaluation and intervention.

The other options like diarrhea, joint pain, and skin rash are not typically associated with VP shunt blockage and do not relate to the mechanism of blockage or its immediate effects on the central nervous system.