What are the consequences of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) for patients?

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can lead to significant negative impacts on patient outcomes, which is reflected in the correct answer. Prolonged hospital stays occur as a direct response to the complications and treatment required for infections that develop while a patient is receiving care in a healthcare setting. This not only affects the patient's recovery time but also places an additional burden on healthcare resources.

Increased healthcare costs follow as a natural consequence of prolonged stays and additional treatments required. The management of HAIs usually involves extended use of medications, additional diagnostic tests, and possibly further surgical interventions, which contributes to the overall financial burden on the healthcare system and the patient.

Higher morbidity and mortality rates are critical concerns as well. Patients with HAIs may experience worsened health outcomes, leading to complications that can significantly affect their quality of life or even result in death. This reality underscores the urgency of preventing HAIs in healthcare environments.

In summary, each of these consequences—prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher morbidity and mortality rates—highlights the severe implications that HAIs can have on patients, making the comprehensive impact of HAIs evident through the selection of all these factors as part of the correct answer.