In acute-care hospitals, which of the following is the most common healthcare-associated (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 context of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which are infections patients acquire while receiving treatment in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital.
2. Step 2: Recognize the common types of HAIs, including Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), Surgical site infections (SSI), and Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI).
3. Step 3: Review epidemiological data and studies that identify the frequency of each type of infection in acute-care hospitals to determine which is most prevalent.
4. Step 4: Note that among these, Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are reported as the most common healthcare-associated infection in acute-care hospital settings.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is CAUTI because urinary catheters are widely used and provide a direct route for bacteria to enter the urinary tract, leading to a higher incidence compared to other HAIs.