MNT Nail Anatomy and Pathology 3

Question 1

Terry's nails are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Brown distal band with white proximal nail plate, associated with cirrhosis, heart failure, or diabetes

Answer

Terry's nails show a predominantly white nail plate with a narrow pink-brown distal band and are associated with systemic conditions including hepatic cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, and diabetes.

Question 2

Which nail pathology is most commonly caused by repeated microtrauma to the nail matrix?

Accepted Answer

Habit-tic deformity (central nail dystrophy)

Answer

Habit-tic deformity results from repetitive rubbing or picking of the proximal nail fold, disrupting matrix cell production and creating characteristic parallel transverse ridges.

Question 3

A patient presents with a yellow, thickened, slow-growing nail with increased curvature and absent lunula. This describes:

Accepted Answer

Yellow nail syndrome

Answer

Yellow nail syndrome presents with the triad of yellow/green discoloration, slow growth, and lymphedema; it is associated with respiratory disorders and immunodeficiency.

Question 4

The proximal nail fold is important clinically because:

Accepted Answer

Capillary changes in the nail fold can indicate connective tissue disease (e.g., scleroderma, lupus)

Answer

Nailfold capillaroscopy can reveal abnormal capillary patterns (dilation, dropout) that are diagnostic markers for connective tissue diseases such as dermatomyositis and systemic sclerosis.

Question 5

Onychoschizia refers to:

Accepted Answer

Lamellar splitting and peeling of the distal nail plate

Answer

Onychoschizia is horizontal splitting or layering of the distal nail plate, commonly caused by repeated wetting and drying cycles, trauma, or nutritional deficiencies.

(MNT) Certified Medical Nail Technician Practice Test

(MNT) Certified Medical Nail Technician Practice Test

MNT Nail Anatomy and Pathology 3