A patient gets an infection from an indwelling catheter. It is an example of?

AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

A nosocomial infection, also called a hospital-acquired infection (HAI), is an infection acquired during the course of receiving healthcare that was not present at the time of admission.
Infections from invasive devices like indwelling urinary catheters are the most common cause of nosocomial infections.
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) are a primary category of HAIs, making 'nosocomial infection' the most accurate and encompassing classification.
The infection occurs in a healthcare setting, which is the defining characteristic of a nosocomial infection.

Option A: While an infection from a catheter is technically iatrogenic (caused by a medical procedure), 'nosocomial' is the broader and more standard classification for infections acquired in a hospital setting. Not all nosocomial infections are iatrogenic (e.g., catching a cold from another patient).
Option C: Droplet infection is transmitted through respiratory droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking. This is unrelated to an infection from a urinary catheter.
Option D: Contamination is the process by which an object (like a catheter) becomes non-sterile by being exposed to pathogens. It is the cause of the infection, not the classification of the infection itself.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Classification of infections based on their origin and mode of transmission, specifically focusing on healthcare-associated infections to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses play a critical role in preventing nosocomial infections by adhering to strict aseptic techniques during catheter insertion, performing routine catheter care, and advocating for the timely removal of unnecessary catheters.
Recognizing the risk of nosocomial infections is fundamental to patient safety. CAUTIs can lead to increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs.
What if? If the patient developed an infection at a surgical site after being discharged home, it would be classified as a Surgical Site Infection (SSI), which is also a type of HAI, but the focus would shift to post-discharge care and patient education on wound management.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question: 'infection' and 'indwelling catheter'.
Recognize that an 'indwelling catheter' is an invasive medical device used in a healthcare setting, like a hospital.
Consider the definitions of the options. A 'nosocomial' infection is acquired in a hospital. An 'iatrogenic' infection is caused by a medical procedure.
Evaluate the relationship between the terms. An infection from a catheter is both iatrogenic and nosocomial.
Determine the best fit. 'Nosocomial infection' is the broader, more common classification for infections acquired in healthcare facilities, and CAUTIs are the most frequent example. Therefore, it is the most appropriate answer.
Eliminate clearly incorrect options like 'droplet infection' (respiratory) and 'contamination' (a process, not a classification).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of infections based on their origin and mode of transmission, specifically focusing on healthcare-associated infections.
Stem keywords: infection, indwelling catheter
Lead-in keywords: example of
Clinical cues: The presence of an 'indwelling catheter' is a strong indicator of a healthcare setting and an invasive procedure, pointing towards specific types of infections.

Qf--cekv2JBaPbgC3GWApN

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 167-169

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 25-27

E6 Microbiology Applied AnjuDhir 3e Part 2 p. 131-133