Final answer:
A nosocomial infection is an infection acquired during the delivery of healthcare in settings such as (A) hospitals,
(B) long-term care facilities, (C) ambulatory settings, and (D) home care. These infections can be spread through contaminated medical equipment and are more likely in patients with weakened immune systems or with indwelling medical devices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term nosocomial infection refers to an infection acquired during the delivery of healthcare in a variety of settings, including A. hospitals, B. long-term care facilities, C. ambulatory settings, e.g., oral healthcare settings, and D. home care settings. Nosocomial infections are those contracted in hospital settings, as opposed to iatrogenic diseases, which are directly the result of a medical procedure. These infections can be transmitted through various means such as improperly sterilized medical equipment, bed sheets, and even by healthcare personnel who do not adhere to proper hand hygiene. Factors such as the patient's weakened immune system and the use of antibiotics can contribute to the prevalence and severity of nosocomial infections.
Healthcare-associated bacteria can be introduced via contaminated devices like ventilators and catheters, further illustrating the risk of nosocomial infection in hospital environments. The presence of medical devices in patients increases the risk of infection and favors the formation of biofilms on indwelling catheters and prostheses, providing an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Staphylococcus epidermidis is frequently associated with nosocomial infections transmitted via medical devices inserted into the body. Long-term use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials is one factor that can contribute to the development of superinfections.