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

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Prepare for the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society Exam with quizzes, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you get ready for your exam!

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Which nail condition is characterized by a significant thickening of the nail plate?

Onychophyosis
Onychomycosis
Onychia
Onychogryposis

The correct answer is: Onychogryposis

Onychogryposis is the correct answer because it specifically refers to a condition in which there is a significant thickening and curvature of the nail plate. This thickening can result in a claw-like appearance, often affecting the toenails more than the fingernails. It is typically associated with age, trauma, or certain medical conditions that lead to changes in the nail's structure. In contrast, onychophyosis describes a condition involving localized thickening of the nail but does not imply the same extent of overall thickening or distinctive shape change as onychogryposis. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails, which can lead to a variety of changes in the nail's appearance, including thickening, but it is primarily characterized by a fungal etiology rather than the structural deformity. Onychia refers to inflammation of the nail matrix, which can cause various symptoms related to pain and discoloration but does not typically involve thickening of the nail plate itself. Understanding these distinctions highlights why onychogryposis is characterized by a significant thickening of the nail plate, making it the correct answer for this question.