CMP Pedicure Techniques & Foot Care 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with small, painful lesions on the plantar surface of the foot with a central black dot. This most likely indicates:
- Plantar fibromatosis
- Plantar verruca (wart) (Correct answer)
- Porokeratosis plantaris discreta
- Seed corn
Correct answer: Plantar verruca (wart)
Plantar warts caused by HPV display thrombosed capillaries (black dots) and interrupt normal skin lines, distinguishing them from corns.
Question 2: When disinfecting a foot bath between clients, EPA-registered disinfectants must remain in contact with the basin surfaces for the manufacturer's specified contact time, which is typically:
- 30 seconds
- 10 minutes (Correct answer)
- 1 hour
- 5 seconds
Correct answer: 10 minutes
Most EPA-registered hospital-level disinfectants require approximately 10 minutes of wet contact time to achieve effective disinfection of foot spa surfaces.
Question 3: The proximal nail fold (PNF) is best described as:
- The visible free edge of the nail plate
- The skin fold that overlies the base of the nail plate (Correct answer)
- The half-moon shaped white area at the nail base
- The thin tissue attached to the nail plate surface
Correct answer: The skin fold that overlies the base of the nail plate
The proximal nail fold is the fold of skin at the base of the nail that protects the matrix; it should never be cut during a pedicure.
Question 4: Which massage technique involves gentle, rhythmic, effleurage-style strokes directed toward the heart and is most appropriate for a client with mild lower-leg edema?
- Petrissage
- Centripetal effleurage (Correct answer)
- Tapotement
- Friction
Correct answer: Centripetal effleurage
Centripetal (toward the center/heart) effleurage assists lymphatic and venous return, helping to reduce mild, non-pathological edema in the lower extremities.
Question 5: A callus differs from a corn primarily because a callus:
- Has a central nucleus that extends into the dermis
- Is a diffuse area of hyperkeratosis without a central core (Correct answer)
- Only appears between the toes
- Is always caused by a viral infection
Correct answer: Is a diffuse area of hyperkeratosis without a central core
Calluses are broad, diffuse areas of thickened skin without a nucleated core, whereas hard corns have a central plug that can cause deep pain.
Question 6: What is the safest water temperature range for a pedicure foot soak for the general client population?
- 95–98°F (35–37°C)
- 100–105°F (38–41°C) (Correct answer)
- 112–118°F (44–48°C)
- 80–90°F (27–32°C)
Correct answer: 100–105°F (38–41°C)
A temperature of 100–105°F is warm enough to soften skin and promote relaxation without risk of scalding for healthy clients.
Question 7: When applying nail polish to toenails, how many thin coats of color are recommended for even coverage and durability?
- One thick coat
- Two thin coats (Correct answer)
- Three thick coats
- Four ultra-thin coats
Correct answer: Two thin coats
Two thin coats of color provide even pigment distribution, reduce drying time, and minimize bubbling or streaking compared to a single heavy coat.
CMP Pedicure Techniques & Foot Care 3
A client presents with small, painful lesions on the plantar surface of the foot with a central black dot.
This most likely indicates: