Which term describes an infection acquired in a hospital setting?

Which term describes an infection acquired in a hospital setting?

• A. Zoonotic infection
• B. Nosocomial infection
• C. Community-acquired infection
• D. Occupational infection

Answer: (B)

Infections are categorized by where they were acquired. An infection acquired in a hospital setting is called a nosocomial infection, also known as a hospital-acquired infection. This type develops after admission and is not present or incubating at the time of arrival, typically arising during the patient’s stay due to factors like invasive procedures, devices, or exposure to other patients and staff. The other terms describe different scenarios: zoonotic infections come from animals, community-acquired infections are contracted outside of healthcare facilities (often before hospital admission), and occupational infections are tied to work-related exposures. Thus, the hospital-specific term best fits infections that originate within the hospital environment.

Infections are categorized by where they were acquired. An infection acquired in a hospital setting is called a nosocomial infection, also known as a hospital-acquired infection. This type develops after admission and is not present or incubating at the time of arrival, typically arising during the patient’s stay due to factors like invasive procedures, devices, or exposure to other patients and staff. The other terms describe different scenarios: zoonotic infections come from animals, community-acquired infections are contracted outside of healthcare facilities (often before hospital admission), and occupational infections are tied to work-related exposures. Thus, the hospital-specific term best fits infections that originate within the hospital environment.