In healthcare-associated infections, which condition is the most common nosocomial infection?

• A. Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
• B. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
• C. Surgical site infection (SSI)
• D. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'nosocomial infection,' which refers to infections acquired in a hospital or healthcare setting that were not present or incubating at the time of admission.
2. Step 2: Review the common types of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), including Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), Surgical site infection (SSI), and Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).
3. Step 3: Recognize that among these, Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most frequent nosocomial infection due to the widespread use of urinary catheters in hospitalized patients.
4. Step 4: Consider the risk factors and mechanisms by which CAUTI occurs, such as prolonged catheterization and bacterial colonization of the urinary tract.
5. Step 5: Conclude that while CLABSI, VAP, and SSI are significant and serious infections, CAUTI remains the most common nosocomial infection in healthcare settings.