Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

What is a plantar wart?

1. A viral infection causing skin lesions with small black dots

2. A fungal infection between toes

3. A deformed and hypertrophic nail

4. A type of dry skin condition

The correct answer is: A viral infection causing skin lesions with small black dots

A plantar wart is accurately described as a viral infection that manifests as skin lesions, often characterized by the presence of small black dots. These lesions are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and develop on the soles of the feet, which are subjected to pressure, often causing discomfort. The small black dots seen in plantar warts are actually tiny blood vessels that have clotted, giving the wart its distinct appearance. Addressing the other options, a fungal infection between the toes typically refers to athlete’s foot, which is not caused by a virus. A deformed and hypertrophic nail would relate to nail disorders rather than warts, and a type of dry skin condition does not capture the infectious nature or the specific appearance of a plantar wart. Thus, the choice that identifies plantar warts as viral infections with characteristic lesions is the one that aligns with the medical understanding of this condition.