Iatrogenic

Definition

Iatrogenic refers to any adverse condition, illness, or complication that results from medical treatment, examination, or intervention, whether through action, inaction, or unintended consequences.

Examples

• Catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI)
• Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
• Surgical site infection
• Medication errors and adverse drug reactions
• Contrast-induced nephropathy
• Radiation-induced cancer

Prevention

Adhere to evidence-based bundles (ventilator bundle, central line bundle), perform hand hygiene, use CAUTI prevention measures, limit invasive devices to shortest necessary duration, perform double-check for high-alert medications, reconcile medications at every transition of care.

NCLEX Relevance

Prevention is a nursing priority and quality measure.