Which symptom might indicate a complication after lumbar puncture in an infant?

A difficult-to-arouse state in an infant following a lumbar puncture can be an important indication of a possible complication. After this invasive procedure, close monitoring of neurological status is crucial. If an infant exhibits decreased arousal or responsiveness, this may suggest complications such as bleeding, infection, or increased intracranial pressure. These conditions can lead to significant changes in the infant's neurologic status, and prompt assessment and intervention are critical to ensuring the infant's safety.

Other symptoms, such as normal vital signs, consistent crying, or stable feeding patterns, do not provide the same level of concern. Normal vital signs indicate stability, while crying may be a typical response to discomfort and is not necessarily indicative of a serious complication. Stable feeding patterns can suggest that the infant is not in immediate distress, further underscoring why altered levels of consciousness, such as difficulty arousing from sleep, warrant immediate attention.