NIC Nail Technician Written ExamScientific ConceptsHard
A client complains that their nails are constantly soft, thin, and peel easily, often breaking before reaching a desirable length. They also notice their nails have a dull, lifeless appearance. This condition is indicative of:
- AOnychatrophia
- BOnychophagia
- COnychomycosis
- DOnychogryphosis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Onychatrophia
Onychatrophia is the atrophy or wasting away of the nail plate, causing it to become soft, thin, dull, and often peel or shed. This perfectly matches the client's symptoms.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Onychophagia is nail biting.
- C. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection, typically causing discoloration, thickening, and crumbling.
- D. Onychogryphosis is a thickening and curving of the nail, resembling a claw or ram's horn.
Onychatrophia
The atrophy or wasting away of the nail plate, characterized by soft, thin, dull, and often peeling or shedding nails.
- Nails become thin, brittle, and dull.
- Can be caused by injury, disease, or nutritional deficiencies.
- Often results in complete shedding of the nail.
Memory trick: Atrophy means wasting away, like a dull, thin nail.