Final answer:
Necrosis in a patient's progress note refers to dead or infected tissue, not healthy or healing tissue. The presence of necrotic tissue can signal ongoing tissue damage and may require medical interventions such as debridement and antibiotics to prevent further complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a physician refers to necrosis regarding a lesion, it indicates d. infected tissue. Necrosis is the term used for the death of cells or tissues, often due to injury, infection, or the interruption of blood supply. This process is generally accidental and uncontrolled, in contrast to apoptosis, which is a programmed and orderly cell death.
The presence of necrosis in tissue often triggers an inflammatory response as the body attempts to remove the dead cells and begin the process of healing, which may involve tissue repair and regeneration. Necrosis can lead to serious health issues if the dead tissue becomes infected. For instance, in situations like bedsores, the necrotic tissue can provide an environment for bacteria to grow, potentially leading to further complications or serious infections if not treated properly.