MNT Medical Nail Care Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which technique is used to reduce nail thickness in hypertrophic nails?
- Nail avulsion
- Burring/grinding with a rotary tool (Correct answer)
- Nail lacquering
- Paraffin wax application
Correct answer: Burring/grinding with a rotary tool
Hypertrophic nails are safely thinned using a rotary burr or grinding tool, which reduces pressure and discomfort without removing the nail plate.
Question 2: What is the correct position for a patient during nail debridement?
- Standing with foot on stool
- Seated with foot elevated and supported at a comfortable working height (Correct answer)
- Lying prone on treatment table
- Seated with foot flat on the floor
Correct answer: Seated with foot elevated and supported at a comfortable working height
Proper patient positioning with the foot elevated and supported allows the technician to work safely while reducing patient and provider fatigue.
Question 3: When performing nail reduction on a diabetic patient, the technician should use:
- Maximum pressure for efficient removal
- Light, controlled strokes to avoid heat buildup (Correct answer)
- Chemical softeners only
- Scalpel blade for precision
Correct answer: Light, controlled strokes to avoid heat buildup
Diabetic patients have reduced sensation and impaired healing; light, controlled strokes minimize friction heat and trauma risk.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of nail soaking before treatment?
- Disinfect the nail plate
- Soften the nail and surrounding tissue to ease debridement (Correct answer)
- Stimulate nail growth
- Remove nail polish residue
Correct answer: Soften the nail and surrounding tissue to ease debridement
Soaking softens hardened nail tissue and callus, reducing the force needed for debridement and lowering trauma risk.
Question 5: Which emollient is most appropriate for post-treatment application on the nail folds?
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Urea-based cream (10–25%) (Correct answer)
- Hydrogen peroxide 3%
- Povidone-iodine solution
Correct answer: Urea-based cream (10–25%)
Urea-based creams hydrate and soften hyperkeratotic tissue around the nail folds, promoting healing and preventing recurrence.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the 'clock face' method in nail bracing?
- A timed protocol for nail soaking
- A reference system for documenting nail curvature improvement
- A placement guide describing brace wire positions around the nail (Correct answer)
- A scheduling method for follow-up appointments
Correct answer: A placement guide describing brace wire positions around the nail
The clock face method uses clock positions (e.g., 3 o'clock, 9 o'clock) to describe and document brace wire placement on the nail plate.
MNT Medical Nail Care Techniques 2
Which technique is used to reduce nail thickness in hypertrophic nails?