Abstract
ABSTRACT: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a complicated skin and soft tissue infection that has a high mortality rate and often requires surgical debridement, intravenous antibiotics, and wound care. The nurse practitioner needs to be aware of the common characteristics of NF and depending on their clinical environment, know when to refer the patient to a local emergency department (ED) for further evaluation and treatment and/or consult for hospital admission from an ED.