What is the term for an infection that a patient acquires during their stay in a hospital?

Appeared in: HSSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

A nosocomial infection is the correct term for an infection acquired by a patient while receiving care in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
These infections are also called hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
For an infection to be classified as nosocomial, it must not have been present or incubating at the time of the patient's admission.
Typically, infections that appear more than 48 hours after admission are considered nosocomial.

Option A: A primary infection is the initial illness or the first time a host is exposed to and infected by a pathogen. It is not specific to a hospital setting.
Option C: A secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment for another, pre-existing infection. It is a consequence of a weakened immune system, not necessarily the location of care.
Option D: A focal infection is a localized infection (e.g., an abscess) from which bacteria spread to other parts of the body, causing systemic issues. The origin is a specific point, not the entire hospital environment.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Terminology of Infections to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Understanding the term 'nosocomial infection' is critical for all healthcare professionals, as preventing these infections is a primary patient safety goal.
Nurses are at the forefront of preventing HAIs through strict adherence to infection control protocols, such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and aseptic techniques for invasive procedures.
HAIs lead to increased patient morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays, and significantly higher healthcare costs.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to identify the key phrase: 'infection that a patient acquires during their stay in a hospital'.
Analyze the options provided and recall the specific definitions for different types of infections.
The term 'nosocomial' is derived from Greek words 'nosos' (disease) and 'komeion' (to take care of), directly relating to a place of care like a hospital.
Evaluate each option against the key phrase. 'Primary', 'secondary', and 'focal' describe the sequence or location of infection within the body, not the place where it was acquired.
Select 'Nosocomial infection' as it is the specific medical term for an infection originating in a hospital.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qh5z1SClQ-iO2FrXFEe9-t

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

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 167-169

Practise the full HSSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.