NIC Nail Technician Written ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A client complains of significant pain and inflammation around the nail folds, accompanied by pus formation. Upon inspection, the technician observes a bacterial infection of the tissue surrounding the nail plate. What is this common condition called?
- AOnychia
- BTinea Unguium
- COnycholysis
- DParonychia
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Paronychia
Paronychia is a bacterial infection of the tissue surrounding the nail plate, often characterized by redness, swelling, tenderness, and pus. This description perfectly matches the client's symptoms. Onychia is inflammation of the nail matrix, onycholysis is nail separation, and tinea unguium is a fungal infection.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Onychia is inflammation of the nail matrix, not specifically the surrounding tissue with pus.
- B. Tinea Unguium is another name for onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail, not typically characterized by pus around the nail folds.
- C. Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, without necessarily pus or inflammation of the surrounding tissue.
Paronychia
A bacterial or fungal infection of the tissue folds surrounding the nail plate.
- Characterized by redness, swelling, tenderness, and often pus.
- Can be acute or chronic.
- Commonly caused by trauma, frequent water exposure, or improper manicuring.
Memory trick: Pus around the perimeter? Paronychia!