MNT Foot Care for Elderly Patients 2

Question 1

Which medication commonly prescribed to elderly patients can cause nail and foot changes, increasing treatment risk?

Accepted Answer

Warfarin, antihypertensives (causing edema), and immunosuppressants

Answer

Warfarin increases bleeding risk; antihypertensives (e.g., calcium channel blockers) can cause peripheral edema; immunosuppressants impair healing and infection resistance—all affecting nail care safety.

Question 2

Falls prevention in elderly patients receiving foot care includes:

Accepted Answer

Advising well-fitting footwear, addressing callus and nail pathology, and recommending balance exercises

Answer

Foot pain from callus and nail conditions affects gait and balance; proper nail and callus management combined with appropriate footwear significantly reduces fall risk.

Question 3

A corn (heloma durum) on the dorsum of an elderly patient's hammer toe should be:

Accepted Answer

Carefully debrided with a scalpel blade and protected with a silicone toe orthosis to redistribute pressure

Answer

Hard corns over pressure points require professional debridement and pressure relief via silicone orthoses; salicylic acid risks chemical burns in elderly/diabetic patients.

Question 4

When treating nail pathology in a patient taking long-term systemic corticosteroids, the technician should be aware of:

Accepted Answer

Fragile, thin skin prone to easy bruising and tearing, impaired wound healing, and increased infection risk

Answer

Chronic corticosteroid use causes skin atrophy, fragility, impaired healing, and immune suppression—all requiring ultra-gentle technique and heightened infection vigilance.

Question 5

Subungual corns (heloma subunguale) are most commonly found:

Accepted Answer

Under the nail of any toe where bony prominence creates chronic pressure

Answer

Subungual corns develop wherever a bony exostosis or deformity causes chronic pressure beneath the nail plate, most often under the great toenail or 5th digit nail.

(MNT) Certified Medical Nail Technician Practice Test

(MNT) Certified Medical Nail Technician Practice Test

MNT Foot Care for Elderly Patients 2