What is a key feature of nosocomial infections?

A key feature of nosocomial infections is their correlation with healthcare settings; specifically, they are infections acquired within a hospital or healthcare facility. One of the most effective strategies for preventing these infections is proper hand hygiene. Hand hygiene significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens that cause nosocomial infections, as these pathogens can be spread through contaminated hands of healthcare workers, visitors, or even patients.

While various treatments exist for infections acquired in healthcare settings, they often involve complex, multidrug-resistant organisms that can be difficult to treat. Employment of effective hand hygiene practices can drastically cut down on the incidence of these infections, highlighting its importance in infection control protocols.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of nosocomial infections. They are not confined to outpatient settings or unrelated to healthcare facilities, and these infections can sometimes be challenging to treat, demonstrating the crucial role of preventative measures like hand hygiene.