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Questions and Answers
What defines a nosocomial infection?
Which group of patients is at a higher risk of acquiring nosocomial infections?
What is one of the main causes of nosocomial infections among children in intensive care?
Which factor is NOT a risk for hospital-acquired infections?
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Which procedure carries a significant risk for nosocomial infections?
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What is often the first sign of a nosocomial infection?
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What can be an immediate consequence of a localized infection?
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Which of the following is a contributing factor to the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
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Study Notes
Definition
- Nosocomial infection refers to infections acquired in a healthcare setting, emerging between 48 hours and four days after admission.
Causes
- Hospitalized patients universally face infection risks due to treatment or surgical procedures.
- High-risk groups include young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
- CDC reports a 6.1% infection rate among children in intensive care, mainly linked to venous catheters and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
- Key risk factors for children:
- Parenteral nutrition
- Extended use of antibiotics (over 10 days)
- Invasive devices
- Unsatisfactory postoperative status
- Immune dysfunction
- Common risk factors for both adults and children:
- Extended hospital stays
- Severity of underlying illnesses
- Poor nutritional or immune status
- Indwelling catheters
- Inadequate hand hygiene among healthcare workers
- Emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to antibiotic overuse
- Invasive procedures commonly increasing infection risk include:
- Urinary bladder catheterization
- Intubation or mechanical ventilation
- Gastric drainage tube placement
- Intravenous (IV) medication or transfusion delivery
Symptoms
- Fever often serves as the initial indication of infection.
- Additional signs may include:
- Rapid breathing
- Mental confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased urine output
- Elevated white blood cell count
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may cause painful urination and cough difficulties.
- Localized infections can manifest as swelling, redness, and tenderness near surgical or open wounds, potentially advancing to severe muscle tissue destruction and sepsis.
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Description
This quiz explores the definition, causes, and risk factors associated with nosocomial infections, which are infections acquired during a hospital stay. It highlights particularly vulnerable populations and the timeframe in which these infections typically manifest. Test your knowledge on this important healthcare topic!
