Nail Technician State Board Exam
Nail Disorders and Diseases Practice Questions
60 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Nail Technician State Board Exam.
Master Nail Disorders and Diseases to boost your score on the Nail Technician State Board Exam. Each question below mirrors the style and difficulty of real exam questions, complete with detailed explanations so you understand the why behind every answer. Work through all 60 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.
Q1.What is onychomycosis and what does the nail technician do when they identify it?
A.It is a bacterial infection; the technician applies antiseptic and continues the serviceB.It is a fungal infection of the nail; the technician refuses service and refers the client to a physicianC.It is excessive cuticle growth; the technician removes it with a cuticle nipperD.It is a nail deformity caused by injury; the technician applies a nail tip over itB. It is a fungal infection of the nail; the technician refuses service and refers the client to a physicianExplanation: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate — typically caused by dermatophytes — that causes yellowing, thickening, crumbling, and separation of the nail. It is contagious and requires medical (antifungal) treatment. Nail services must be refused.
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Q2.Paronychia is defined as:
A.Separation of the nail plate from the nail bedB.Inflammation and infection of the skin surrounding the nailC.Abnormal thickening of the nail plateD.Horizontal ridges across the nail plateB. Inflammation and infection of the skin surrounding the nailExplanation: Paronychia is an infection of the perionychium — the skin surrounding the nail plate. Acute paronychia is usually bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus); chronic paronychia is often fungal. Both contraindicate nail services. Redness, swelling, pain, and pus are common signs.
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Q3.What are Beau's lines?
A.White horizontal streaks caused by minor nail traumaB.Deep horizontal grooves across the nail plate caused by temporary disruption of nail matrix growthC.Vertical ridges that appear with agingD.Yellowish discoloration from nail polish stainingB. Deep horizontal grooves across the nail plate caused by temporary disruption of nail matrix growthExplanation: Beau's lines are transverse grooves that cross the nail plate, indicating a temporary arrest of nail matrix function due to illness, nutritional deficiency, chemotherapy, or severe stress. They grow out with the nail and can be used to estimate when the systemic event occurred.
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Q4.Which nail condition allows nail services to be safely performed?
A.Active onychomycosis (nail fungus)B.Paronychia with visible pusC.Leukonychia (white spots from minor trauma)D.Open wounds around the nail foldC. Leukonychia (white spots from minor trauma)Explanation: Leukonychia (white spots or streaks) is caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix and is not contagious or a disease state. It grows out on its own and does not contraindicate nail services. The other options listed are contagious conditions requiring referral.
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Q5.Onycholysis refers to:
A.Thickening and overcurvature of the nail plateB.Excessive growth of the nail plateC.Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed beginning at the free edgeD.Inflammation of the nail matrixC. Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed beginning at the free edgeExplanation: Onycholysis is the painless separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, beginning at the free edge and progressing proximally. Causes include trauma, fungal infection, psoriasis, thyroid disease, and allergic reactions to nail products. Nail services may be performed if no infection is present.
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