In healthcare settings, which type of infection is most commonly classified as a nosocomial (healthcare-associated) infection?

• A. Central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
• B. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (including ventilator-associated pneumonia)
• C. Surgical site infection (SSI)
• D. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of nosocomial infections: these are infections acquired in a healthcare setting that were not present or incubating at the time of admission.
2. Review common types of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which include catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), and surgical site infections (SSI).
3. Recognize that among these, CAUTI is the most frequently reported type of nosocomial infection due to the widespread use of urinary catheters in hospitalized patients.
4. Consider epidemiological data and infection control reports that consistently show CAUTI as the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections in many healthcare settings.
5. Conclude that while CLABSI, HAP, and SSI are significant HAIs, the most common nosocomial infection is the catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).