Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

Which treatment is included in the management plan for necrotizing fasciitis?

1. Immediate amputation

2. Use of HBOT

3. Only dressing changes

4. Palliative care only

The correct answer is: Use of HBOT

The management plan for necrotizing fasciitis often includes the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as an adjunctive treatment to help improve outcomes. Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, rapidly progressing soft tissue infection that can lead to significant tissue necrosis and systemic complications. HBOT works by increasing the amount of oxygen available in the tissues, which can help combat anaerobic bacteria and promote wound healing by enhancing angiogenesis, fibroblast function, and collagen formation. Incorporating HBOT into the treatment plan is particularly valuable in cases where there is a risk of limb loss or systemic infection, as it may improve the effectiveness of antibiotics and surgical interventions. While immediate amputation may be indicated in some cases of necrotizing fasciitis when the tissue is extensively damaged, it is not a generalized treatment approach for all patients. Dressing changes alone are insufficient to treat this aggressive infection since they do not address the underlying infection or tissue necrosis. Similarly, palliative care alone does not provide the necessary aggressive management required for necrotizing fasciitis, which often involves surgical interventions and systemic therapies to remove necrotic tissue and control the infection.