What does the term "iatrogenic" refer to in a medical context?

The term "iatrogenic" specifically refers to adverse effects or complications that arise as a result of medical treatment or procedures. This might include any negative side effects, injuries, or complications that occur due to interventions such as surgeries, medications, or other medical practices performed by healthcare professionals.

For instance, if a patient develops an infection following surgery, that infection would be considered iatrogenic, as it resulted from the medical intervention intended to improve the patient's health.

Understanding this term is crucial for healthcare providers, as it highlights the need for careful monitoring and prevention strategies to minimize harm to patients while receiving medical care. It's important for nurses, especially, to be aware of potential iatrogenic effects when administering treatments or medications, as they play a key role in patient safety and quality of care.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the definition of "iatrogenic." External factors refer to influences that are not related to direct medical intervention, symptoms from long-term illness relate to chronic conditions rather than medical procedures, and diseases transmitted from healthcare workers pertain more to infectious disease control rather than the consequences of treatment.