Necrotizing fasciitis: pathophysiology and treatment

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.