MNT Nail Anatomy and Pathology 2

Question 1

Which nail finding is most characteristic of psoriasis?

Accepted Answer

Pitting, onycholysis, and oil-drop discoloration

Answer

Psoriatic nail disease commonly presents with nail pitting (from matrix involvement), onycholysis (nail bed plaques), and the 'oil-drop' sign (yellow-brown subungual discoloration).

Question 2

The nail plate is primarily composed of:

Accepted Answer

Hard keratin (alpha-keratin)

Answer

The nail plate is composed of hard (alpha) keratin, a sulfur-rich protein that gives the nail its rigidity and protective function.

Question 3

Melanonychia striata refers to:

Accepted Answer

A brown or black longitudinal streak on the nail plate

Answer

Melanonychia striata is a longitudinal brown-black streak resulting from melanocyte activation or proliferation within the nail matrix; it requires evaluation to exclude subungual melanoma.

Question 4

What percentage of nail plate growth occurs from the nail matrix?

Accepted Answer

100%

Answer

The nail plate is entirely produced by the nail matrix; the nail bed contributes subungual keratin but does not produce the plate itself.

Question 5

Paronychia is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Infection and inflammation of the nail folds surrounding the nail plate

Answer

Paronychia is an infection of the periungual tissue (nail folds), which may be acute (bacterial, commonly Staphylococcus aureus) or chronic (often Candida-related).

(MNT) Certified Medical Nail Technician Practice Test

(MNT) Certified Medical Nail Technician Practice Test

MNT Nail Anatomy and Pathology 2