What is a healthcare-acquired infection commonly referred to as?

What is a healthcare-acquired infection commonly referred to as?

• A. Community infection
• B. Nosocomial infection
• C. Invasive infection
• D. Chronic infection

Answer: (B)

A healthcare-acquired infection is commonly referred to as a nosocomial infection. This term specifically describes infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities. Nosocomial infections can result from various factors, including invasive procedures, antibiotic use, or the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms within healthcare environments. Understanding this term is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in infection control and patient safety, as it highlights the importance of measures to prevent such infections during patient care. In contrast, community infections refer to those occurring outside of a healthcare setting, while invasive infections typically describe infections that penetrate body tissues or enter the bloodstream through medical procedures. Chronic infections are long-lasting infections that persist over time, which is distinct from the acute nature of many healthcare-acquired infections.

A healthcare-acquired infection is commonly referred to as a nosocomial infection. This term specifically describes infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities.

Nosocomial infections can result from various factors, including invasive procedures, antibiotic use, or the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms within healthcare environments. Understanding this term is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in infection control and patient safety, as it highlights the importance of measures to prevent such infections during patient care.

In contrast, community infections refer to those occurring outside of a healthcare setting, while invasive infections typically describe infections that penetrate body tissues or enter the bloodstream through medical procedures. Chronic infections are long-lasting infections that persist over time, which is distinct from the acute nature of many healthcare-acquired infections.