Nail Technician Anatomy and Nail Disorders Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which part of the nail unit is responsible for producing the cells that form the nail plate?

Accepted Answer

Nail matrix

Answer

The nail matrix is the living tissue at the base of the nail that generates the cells that harden and become the nail plate. [17, 26] Damage to the matrix can result in abnormal nail growth. The nail bed supports the nail plate, the lunula is the visible part of the matrix, and the eponychium is the cuticle.

Question 2

A client presents with leukonychia, which appears as white spots on the nail plate. This condition is most commonly caused by:

Accepted Answer

Minor injury to the nail matrix

Answer

Leukonychia, or white spots, is most often the result of minor trauma or injury to the nail matrix, the area where the nail is formed. [1, 2, 4] While it can occasionally be linked to other causes, injury is the most common reason. The myth that it's caused by a calcium deficiency is widespread but generally untrue. [8]

Question 3

A client complains of a painful, red, and swollen area of skin around the side of their fingernail, which developed rapidly. This condition is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Paronychia

Answer

Paronychia is a bacterial or yeast infection of the skin surrounding the nail, known as the nail fold. [31, 35] Acute paronychia presents with a sudden onset of redness, swelling, and pain, and sometimes a pus-filled abscess. [31, 33] It's a contraindication for nail services until it is resolved.

Question 4

Pterygium is a nail disorder characterized by the abnormal, forward growth of which structure over the nail plate?

Accepted Answer

The nail fold (eponychium)

Answer

Dorsal pterygium is a condition where the skin of the proximal nail fold (eponychium) grows forward and adheres to the nail plate, often due to scarring or trauma to the matrix. [9, 11, 20] It creates a wing-like appearance as it stretches over the nail.

Question 5

A client's toenail is growing into the soft tissue of the lateral nail fold, causing pain, swelling, and redness. What is the technical term for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Onychocryptosis

Answer

Onychocryptosis is the medical term for an ingrown nail. [24, 25, 28] This common and painful condition occurs when the side of the nail plate presses into the surrounding skin. Nail technicians should not attempt to treat this condition and must refer the client to a medical professional.

Nail Technician Practice Test

Nail Technician Practice Test

Nail Technician Anatomy and Nail Disorders Questions and Answers