Iatrogenic diseases are defined as diseases caused by what?

• A. Infections contracted from patients
• B. Genetic disorders resulting from treatment
• C. Diseases caused by medical procedures
• D. Environmental exposures

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that iatrogenic diseases are conditions produced by medical care. When a patient develops a new illness as a result of diagnosis, treatment, or a medical procedure, that condition is considered iatrogenic. This covers a range of scenarios, from complications after surgery to adverse drug reactions, infections acquired in the hospital due to care or devices, and injuries caused by procedures or imaging.

So diseases caused by medical procedures fit the definition exactly because the care itself is what leads to the new health issue. Infections contracted from other patients aren’t necessarily due to medical management, environmental exposures aren’t caused by medical care, and genetic issues resulting from treatment aren’t the typical focus of iatrogenesis.