HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are indeed among the common bloodborne viruses that can be transmitted through exposure to infected blood. These viruses pose significant health risks and are important considerations in healthcare settings to prevent transmission through proper infection control measures.
Among the options provided, "TB" (Tuberculosis) is not typically considered a common nosocomial infection. Nosocomial infections are infections that are acquired in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital. While TB can be transmitted in healthcare settings, it is generally less common as a nosocomial infection compared to other infections like urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and respiratory infections. However, the risk of TB transmission in healthcare settings depends on various factors, including the prevalence of TB in the community and the level of infection control practices implemented in the facility.
All these components play a role in investigating and improving hospital infection control procedures to ensure patient safety and prevent the spread of infections.
"Limited use of antibiotics" is not a predisposing factor of nosocomial infection. In fact, limited use of antibiotics is more likely to be a preventive measure against nosocomial infections. Predisposing factors of nosocomial infections are conditions or situations that increase the risk of acquiring an infection while in a healthcare facility. These factors can include compromised immune systems, invasive procedures, prolonged hospital stays, use of medical devices, and close proximity to other infected patients. The limited use of antibiotics would generally be considered a positive measure to help reduce the development of antibiotic-resistant infections, which is a concern in healthcare settings.
"Immunization" is not typically considered a standard precaution. Standard precautions are basic infection prevention and control practices that are applied to all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. These precautions include measures such as hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns), proper handling and disposal of sharps, and respiratory hygiene.
The minimal time to determine nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection is generally considered to be "72 hours." Nosocomial infections are those that develop in a patient during their hospital stay but were not present at the time of admission. In order to classify an infection as nosocomial, it typically needs to occur at least 72 hours after admission to the hospital. This time frame helps distinguish between infections that were acquired in the hospital setting and those that were present before admission.
"Hand washing" is indeed considered one of the most important measures of standard precautions. Proper and thorough hand hygiene, including hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, is a fundamental practice to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Hands can be a significant source of transferring pathogens from one patient to another or to the environment.
