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

Which of the following is a treatment option for necrotizing fasciitis?

1. Antacid medication

2. Early aggressive surgical debridement

3. Physical therapy

4. Topical antiseptics only

The correct answer is: Early aggressive surgical debridement

Early aggressive surgical debridement is a critical treatment option for necrotizing fasciitis, primarily because this condition involves the rapid spread of infection that destroys soft tissue. The timely removal of necrotic tissue helps to halt the spread of infection and reduces the risk of systemic complications. Surgical intervention is essential, as antibiotics alone are insufficient to manage such a severe infection due to the nature of the disease, where the bacteria often produce toxins and invade surrounding tissues extensively. In cases of necrotizing fasciitis, the prognosis significantly improves when surgical debridement is performed early in the course of the infection. This intervention also allows for better management of the infection through subsequent medical treatments, such as antibiotic therapy, which can be more effective once the bulk of the infected tissue has been removed. The other treatment options, like antacid medication, physical therapy, or solely relying on topical antiseptics, do not address the life-threatening nature of necrotizing fasciitis and are not effective in controlling the disease's progression.