Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective treatment option for patients with necrotizing fasciitis. This severe and rapidly progressing infection affects the fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances oxygen delivery to the infected tissues, helping to combat anaerobic bacteria, promote wound healing, and reduce the severity of the infection. High levels of oxygen in the tissues can also improve the effectiveness of certain antibiotics and stimulate the angiogenesis necessary for recovery.

In the case of necrotizing fasciitis, immediate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, surgical intervention, and supportive care are critical components of management; however, adjunctive therapies like hyperbaric oxygen can significantly improve outcomes. Its benefits are particularly valuable in this context, where the rapid establishment of vascular complications and tissue necrosis may pose serious risks to limb viability and overall patient survival.