Which term refers to an infection acquired during a hospital stay?

Which term refers to an infection acquired during a hospital stay?

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

Answer: (B)

Infections that develop during a hospital stay are described as nosocomial infections. This term specifically identifies infections not present or incubating at admission and that arise after the patient has been in the hospital for some time, typically after 48 hours. The other terms refer to different scenarios: community-acquired infections are contracted outside the hospital setting; occupational infections are related to job exposure; and zoonotic infections are transmitted from animals. Therefore, nosocomial is the term that fits an infection acquired during a hospital stay.

Infections that develop during a hospital stay are described as nosocomial infections. This term specifically identifies infections not present or incubating at admission and that arise after the patient has been in the hospital for some time, typically after 48 hours. The other terms refer to different scenarios: community-acquired infections are contracted outside the hospital setting; occupational infections are related to job exposure; and zoonotic infections are transmitted from animals. Therefore, nosocomial is the term that fits an infection acquired during a hospital stay.