title: Necrotizing fasciitis: pathophysiology and treatment.
abstract: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening bacterial infection causing necrosis of the fascia, underlying skin, and vasculature. NF spreads rapidly, making immediate diagnosis important for survival. Treatment may involve the administration of several broad-spectrum antibiotics, surgical debridement, and skin grafting. In the following two articles, the pathophysiology, medical management, and nursing care of patients are discussed. An in-depth model care plan illustrates the complexity of the disease and its treatment.
authors.affiliation: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: DeLuca
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003646:Debridement; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents