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What is a nosocomial infection?

  1. A cold virus from seasonal changes

  2. An infection acquired in a healthcare facility

  3. An infection that occurs at home

  4. A viral infection contracted outdoors

The correct answer is: An infection acquired in a healthcare facility

A nosocomial infection refers specifically to an infection that a patient acquires while receiving treatment for another condition within a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or nursing home. These infections can arise from various sources, including medical equipment, healthcare personnel, or the hospital environment itself. The uniqueness of nosocomial infections lies in their occurrence during medical care, distinguishing them from infections contracted in community settings or at home. This definition underscores the importance of infection control practices in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of such infections among vulnerable patients. The other options either describe infections from non-healthcare environments or common illnesses, which do not fit the specific context of nosocomial infections.