Final answer:
Nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAI), are diseases contracted in hospital settings. They are acquired through contaminated medical equipment or poor hand hygiene. These infections can be more severe and difficult to treat.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAI), are diseases that are contracted in hospital settings. They can be acquired through various means such as contaminated medical equipment, improper hand hygiene by hospital staff, or colonization by drug-resistant bacteria. These infections are a significant concern as they can be more severe and difficult to treat due to the weakened immune systems of many hospital patients and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Some examples of nosocomial infections include skin infections, sinusitis, and food poisoning.