100 questions · 90 min · 75% to pass
Question 1
What does the nail matrix produce?
Answer: New nail cells
Question 2
How should a nail technician correctly trim toenails during a pedicure to help prevent ingrown toenails from developing?
Answer: Toenails should be trimmed straight across — not curved at the corners — and left slightly long so the free edge extends just past the toe tip; this prevents the nail edges from growing into the surrounding skin tissue.
Question 3
What is the hyponychium?
Answer: Skin under the free edge
Question 4
What level of decontamination does an autoclave achieve, and is it required for standard nail salon implements?
Answer: An autoclave achieves sterilization — the highest level of decontamination — destroying all microorganisms including bacterial spores at 250°F and 15 psi for 20 minutes; it is not required for nail salon implements, which only need disinfection.
Question 5
What is the correct sequence for decontaminating reusable metal nail implements between clients, according to standard infection control protocol?
Answer: The correct sequence is: (1) clean implements with soap and water to remove all visible debris, (2) fully immerse in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the manufacturer's required contact time, and (3) store in a clean, closed container.
Question 6
What reaction creates acrylic nail enhancements?
Answer: Polymerization
Question 7
Which nail tissue is living and should never be cut?
Answer: Eponychium
Question 8
What is the difference between onycholysis and onychomycosis, and how does each condition affect a technician's service decision?
Answer: Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, often due to trauma or product misuse, and the technician must not service; onychomycosis is a fungal infection requiring physician referral before any service.
Question 9
A client presents with a thick, yellow-green discoloration under the nail plate that has lifted away from the nail bed. What condition is this, and what action should the technician take?
Answer: This presentation indicates onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection. The technician must refuse service and refer the client to a physician, as applying product over a fungal infection can worsen the condition.
Question 10
During a pedicure, you notice a client has a deeply ingrown toenail with redness, swelling, and pus along the nail fold. What should you do?
Answer: An ingrown toenail with signs of infection — redness, swelling, and pus — requires a physician referral; the technician must not attempt to cut or treat the nail, as this could worsen the infection and cause further injury.