Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep 2025 – Complete Practice Resource

The correct answer is cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection that can sometimes escalate to a necrotizing process, particularly in certain high-risk populations or settings. Necrotizing fasciitis, a severe form of cellulitis, is characterized by rapid progression and can lead to extensive tissue destruction. It often involves the fascia and can spread to multiple organ systems if not promptly diagnosed and treated, resulting in systemic symptoms and complications.

Cellulitis typically presents with redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the infected area but can rapidly become more severe. In its necrotizing form, it may present with systemic signs like fever, tachycardia, and hypotension due to septic shock from widespread infection. Rapid intervention with broad-spectrum antibiotics, potential surgical debridement, and supportive care is crucial in preventing further systemic involvement and reducing morbidity and mortality.

The other options provided do not generally involve necrotizing processes or multi-system involvement in the same manner. MRSA, while it can cause serious infections, does not inherently involve a necrotizing process without complicating factors. Paronychia is typically a localized infection affecting the nail margins and does not present with systemic involvement. A furuncle, or boil, is also a localized infection of