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

What can contribute to the higher mortality rates of necrotizing fasciitis?

1. Presence of healthy immune systems

2. Age and underlying health conditions

3. Low body temperature

4. Environmental cleanliness

The correct answer is: Age and underlying health conditions

The higher mortality rates associated with necrotizing fasciitis can be significantly influenced by age and underlying health conditions. Individuals who are older or who have pre-existing health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, or immune system disorders, are particularly vulnerable. These factors can impair the body’s ability to respond to infections effectively, leading to a greater risk of severe complications and death. The aggressive nature of necrotizing fasciitis, which involves rapid tissue destruction, means that timely and robust immune responses are crucial. When an individual's immune system is compromised due to age or health conditions, it can fail to contain the spread of the infection, resulting in worse outcomes. Considering the other options, the presence of a healthy immune system would generally be protective rather than contributory to higher mortality. Low body temperature could indicate severe infection or sepsis but is not a direct contributor to mortality rates. Finally, while environmental cleanliness can influence the risk of infection, it does not specifically address the mortality aspect once the infection has developed in individuals with varying resilience, which is more directly tied to their age and health status.