Nosocomial

Nosocomial refers to an infection acquired in a hospital or other healthcare setting that was not present or incubating at the time the patient entered the facility. These infections are often bacterial, but can also be viral or fungal. They represent a significant public health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, hospital stays, and healthcare costs. Prevention strategies often focus on meticulous hygiene practices, strict adherence to infection control protocols, and the responsible use of antibiotics. The term is often interchanged with hospital-acquired infection or healthcare-associated infection.

Nosocomial meaning with examples

• After surgery, the patient developed a nosocomial pneumonia, likely due to a weakened immune system and exposure to airborne pathogens within the intensive care unit. The medical team immediately initiated aggressive antibiotic therapy to combat the infection. Regular monitoring and adjustments of treatment were also started, increasing the chance of a successful recovery, hopefully leading to a quick recovery.
• The hospital's infection control team investigated a cluster of nosocomial bloodstream infections linked to contaminated intravenous catheters. They implemented a comprehensive review of insertion and maintenance practices, followed by additional training for the medical staff, which hopefully prevented further infections and maintained high-quality medical practices.
• A lengthy hospital stay increased the patient's risk of acquiring a nosocomial urinary tract infection, possibly from the use of indwelling catheters. The hospital staff employed a multi-faceted approach, including meticulous catheter care and regular urine monitoring, which reduced the rate of infection in the ward and improved patient outcomes.
• Studies have shown that the overuse of antibiotics contributed to the rise of antibiotic-resistant nosocomial infections, forcing healthcare professionals to constantly monitor treatments. The hospital adopted an antimicrobial stewardship program to optimize antibiotic use and slow the development of resistance and help reduce the spread of infections across the facility.
• The spread of nosocomial Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections on a specific ward prompted rigorous environmental cleaning protocols, including the use of bleach-based disinfectants. Healthcare workers had to adhere to strict hand hygiene protocols and patient isolation measures in an attempt to disrupt the chain of transmission of the disease.