MNT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MNT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What action should be taken if a tool is dropped on the floor? → Disinfect the tool
2. Refusing to treat a patient based on their HIV-positive status, in the absence of a legitimate clinical contraindication, may violate: → The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
3. How should a sharps container be disposed of when it is three-quarters full? → Sealed and disposed of as regulated medical waste through an approved contractor
4. What is the nail plate composed of? → Hard keratinized protein layers produced by the nail matrix
5. Green nail syndrome (Chloronychia) is caused by infection with: → Pseudomonas aeruginosa
6. What condition is characterized by thickened, discolored nails often caused by fungal infection? → Onychomycosis
7. What is the name of the crescent-shaped white area at the base of the nail plate? → Lunula
8. In a patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, foot care education should emphasize: → Daily self-inspection of feet using a mirror
9. Conservative management of a Stage 1 ingrown toenail may include: → Cotton wool packing under the nail edge and warm saline soaks
10. Which technique is used to reduce nail thickness in hypertrophic nails? → Burring/grinding with a rotary tool
11. How often should tools and equipment be cleaned and disinfected? → After every client
12. Which material property is most important when selecting a nail brace for a very elderly patient with thin, brittle nails? → Flexibility and low adhesive surface stress to minimize risk of nail plate damage
13. The BS (Basis) brace system for ingrown nails requires the nail to be: → Clean, dry, and filed smooth on the dorsal surface to ensure adhesion
14. Which nail pathology is most commonly caused by repeated microtrauma to the nail matrix? → Habit-tic deformity (central nail dystrophy)
15. What is the purpose of a cuticle pusher? → Push back the cuticle
16. Which of the following wound findings is NOT considered a sign requiring immediate referral to a physician? → Mild pinkness confined to the immediate wound edges
17. How can a nail technician build trust during a client consultation? → Listening and offering advice
18. In the Spaulding classification, nail nippers used on intact skin are classified as: → Semi-critical items
19. Which emollient is most appropriate for post-treatment application on the nail folds? → Urea-based cream (10–25%)
20. How should nails be trimmed on a diabetic patient? → Straight across with smooth edges, avoiding cutting too short or into the corners
21. Which of the following should be done between client treatments? → Sanitize tools and surfaces
22. Which clinical sign distinguishes proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) from other types? → White opacity beginning at the proximal nail plate near the cuticle
23. What should be asked during a nail consultation? → Health history and preferences
24. Which infection control measure is most important to prevent onychomycosis transmission between patients? → Using single-use instruments or sterilized instruments between every patient
25. What condition causes the nails to become spoon-shaped? → Koilonychia
26. What should be used to disinfect non-porous tools? → Disinfectants
27. Following partial nail avulsion with phenolization, the expected healing time for the nail fold is approximately: → 4–6 weeks
28. Why is sterilization important in nail care? → To kill all germs
29. Subungual corns (heloma subunguale) are most commonly found: → Under the nail of any toe where bony prominence creates chronic pressure
30. A client discloses they are on warfarin (Coumadin). What is the primary consideration? → Use extra caution to avoid cutting skin; even minor nicks can cause significant bleeding