NIC Nail Technician Written ExamScientific ConceptsEasy
A technician is performing a pedicure and notices a client has a small, dark discoloration under the nail plate that appears to be a bruise. This condition is medically referred to as:
- ALeukonychia
- BSubungual hematoma
- COnychophosis
- DMelanonychia
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Subungual hematoma
A subungual hematoma is a collection of blood under the nail plate, commonly caused by trauma, which presents as a dark discoloration resembling a bruise.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Leukonychia refers to white spots or discoloration on the nails.
- C. Onychophosis is the growth of horny tissue under the nail plate.
- D. Melanonychia is a black or brown pigmentation of the nail, often appearing as a streak.
Subungual Hematoma
A collection of blood under the nail plate, typically caused by trauma, appearing as a dark discoloration.
- Commonly known as a 'bruised nail'
- Results from injury to the nail bed
- Color can range from red to black depending on age of injury
Memory trick: Hematoma sounds like 'hema' (blood) and 'toma' (tumor/mass), so it's a blood mass under the nail.