Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What type of infection is acquired during hospitalization?

1. Opportunistic Infection

2. Nosocomial Infection

3. Communicable Disease

4. Infectious Disease

The correct answer is: Nosocomial Infection

The term for an infection that is acquired during hospitalization is "nosocomial infection." This type of infection occurs in patients while they are receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting, such as a hospital. Nosocomial infections can result from various sources, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi that patients may be exposed to in medical facilities, often due to invasive procedures, compromised immune systems, or the presence of other medical devices. Understanding nosocomial infections is crucial for implementing effective infection control measures to reduce their occurrence, which can significantly impact patient outcomes and healthcare costs. These infections differentiate themselves from opportunistic infections, which typically occur in individuals with weakened immune systems but are not limited to hospitalized patients, and from communicable and infectious diseases, which can be acquired through various means and do not specifically relate to the hospital environment.