Final answer:
A nosocomial infection contracted due to poor technique is a healthcare-associated infection that occurs in a hospital setting, often because of contaminated medical equipment or surfaces. Nosocomial versus iatrogenic distinguishes between general hospital-acquired infections and those directly resulting from medical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient contracts a nosocomial infection due to poor technique, this is an example of a healthcare-associated concern where bacteria are introduced into a patient through an unfortunate breach in sterile protocol. Nosocomial infections are those acquired in hospital settings, and they can occur when medical equipment such as ventilators, catheters, or even surfaces like bed sheets and door handles are contaminated. The risks are further exacerbated in hospital settings due to factors such as the presence of many sick patients bringing in pathogens, patients with weakened immune systems, and the prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria.
An infection arising as a direct result of a medical procedure is termed an iatrogenic disease. Situations where skin infections, sinusitis, food poisoning, or opportunistic infections such as overgrowth of C. difficile occur, demonstrate the different ways patients can be put at risk. Specific healthcare procedures, such as wound treatments, catheterizations, or surgeries, can lead to such infections if not performed under strict aseptic conditions.