Infection that occurs as a result of a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure is called a/an?

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

An iatrogenic infection is defined as an infection resulting directly from a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure.
The key characteristic is the direct causal link between a medical action (like surgery, catheterization, or injection) and the subsequent infection.
For example, hepatitis B acquired from a blood transfusion or a urinary tract infection (UTI) following catheter placement are both iatrogenic infections.
This term specifically points to the intervention as the source, distinguishing it from other hospital-acquired infections.

Option A: An opportunistic infection is caused by pathogens that take advantage of a compromised immune system, not by a medical procedure itself.
Option C: Cross infection refers to the transmission of an infectious agent from one person to another, not as a result of a procedure on a single patient.
Option D: Nosocomial infection is a broad term for any infection acquired in a hospital. While an iatrogenic infection is a type of nosocomial infection, the term 'iatrogenic' is more specific and accurate for an infection caused by a procedure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Classification of Healthcare-Associated Infections helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses are at the forefront of preventing iatrogenic infections through strict adherence to aseptic techniques during procedures like IV line insertion, catheterization, and wound dressing changes.
Recognizing the risk of iatrogenic infections is crucial for patient safety. It prompts meticulous care and monitoring of patients who have undergone invasive procedures.
What if? If an infection develops in a surgical wound 3 weeks after the patient has been discharged, it is still considered a type of iatrogenic (and nosocomial) infection, specifically a surgical site infection (SSI), as the origin traces back to the procedure.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question stem. The key phrase is 'infection that occurs as a result of a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure'.
This points to a specific cause: a medical intervention.
Next, evaluate each option's definition.
An 'opportunistic' infection relates to a weak immune system.
A 'cross infection' relates to transmission between people.
A 'nosocomial' infection is any infection acquired in a hospital, which is a broad category.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 87-89

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 167-169

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