Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) Degree Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

The term that describes an infection occurring in a hospital setting after a surgical procedure is "nosocomial infection." This type of infection is specifically associated with healthcare facilities and can arise from various sources, such as contaminated instruments, the surgical environment, or the patient's own flora being introduced into sterile areas during surgery.

Nosocomial infections are particularly concerning because they can lead to significant complications, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. They typically happen when patients are vulnerable, making it vital for healthcare facilities to implement stringent hygiene practices and infection control measures.

Chronic infections generally refer to conditions that persist over a long period and do not fit the context of an infection acquired specifically in a hospital. Contagious infections describe infections that can spread from person to person, which is not necessarily the case with hospital-acquired infections, as they may arise from non-transmissible sources. Acute infections usually refer to infections that occur suddenly and may be severe but do not specifically indicate their occurrence within a hospital environment. Hence, "nosocomial infection" is the most accurate term for infections acquired in a healthcare setting following procedures.