When the patient is acquiring infection during low immunity state is known as?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2018

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2018

Explanation

An opportunistic infection is defined as an infection caused by pathogens (like bacteria, viruses, fungi) that take advantage of a host with a weakened or compromised immune system.
These microorganisms are often part of the body's normal flora or are commonly found in the environment and do not cause disease in healthy individuals.
Conditions that lower immunity and create an 'opportunity' for these pathogens include HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, long-term steroid use, and organ transplantation.
Examples include Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in an AIDS patient or oral candidiasis (thrush) in a patient on chemotherapy.

Option A: Cross infection refers to the mode of transmission (from one person to another), not the immune status of the person acquiring the infection.
Option B: An iatrogenic infection is specifically caused by a medical treatment or procedure, regardless of the patient's immune status.
Option D: A nosocomial infection (or healthcare-associated infection) is defined by the location where it is acquired (a hospital or healthcare facility), not the patient's immune condition. While an immunocompromised patient might get a nosocomial infection, the term itself doesn't describe the host's susceptibility.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Classification of Infections to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses play a critical role in protecting immunocompromised patients by implementing protective (reverse) isolation and neutropenic precautions.
Key nursing interventions include strict hand hygiene, limiting visitors (especially those who are sick), providing a private room, and avoiding fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables which can harbor fungi and bacteria.
Patient education is vital. The nurse must teach the patient and family to recognize early signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat) and to seek immediate medical attention.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question stem to identify the core concept. The key phrase here is 'infection during low immunity state'.
Next, recall the specific definitions of the terms provided in the options.
Evaluate each option against the key phrase from the stem.
Option A, 'Cross infection,' relates to transmission between people.
Option B, 'Iatrogenic infection,' relates to medical procedures.
Option D, 'Nosocomial infection,' relates to the location (hospital).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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