Cosmetology Test Nail Care and Services 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with greenish discoloration under a nail enhancement. What is the most likely cause?
- Fungal infection
- Pseudomonas bacterial infection (Correct answer)
- Iron deficiency
- Bruising from trauma
Correct answer: Pseudomonas bacterial infection
Green discoloration under enhancements is typically caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria thriving in the moist space between the product and nail plate.
Question 2: What does the term 'stress area' refer to in nail technology?
- The area nearest the cuticle
- The point where the nail plate meets the free edge (Correct answer)
- The area where the nail plate extends past the fingertip
- The sidewalls of the nail
Correct answer: The point where the nail plate meets the free edge
The stress area is the point at which the nail plate extends beyond the fingertip, where the most mechanical stress occurs during wear.
Question 3: Which of the following is a contraindication for performing a nail service?
- Ridged nails
- Onychomycosis (nail fungus) (Correct answer)
- Dry cuticles
- Brittle nails
Correct answer: Onychomycosis (nail fungus)
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that is contagious; performing a nail service could spread the infection and worsen the condition.
Question 4: In gel nail application, what is the purpose of the inhibition layer left after curing?
- It protects the gel from UV exposure
- It is an uncured, sticky layer that allows additional product to bond (Correct answer)
- It contains pigment for color depth
- It prevents gel from lifting at the cuticle
Correct answer: It is an uncured, sticky layer that allows additional product to bond
The inhibition (tacky) layer is uncured gel that remains on the surface after curing, which is either wiped away or used to bond the next layer.
Question 5: What is the correct direction to push back cuticles to avoid damage?
- Back and forth in a scrubbing motion
- Gently in small circular motions moving toward the base (Correct answer)
- Straight back with firm pressure
- Side to side only
Correct answer: Gently in small circular motions moving toward the base
Gentle circular motions moving toward the nail base loosen dead tissue without damaging the living cuticle or the matrix beneath.
Question 6: Which monomer is commonly associated with allergic reactions and has been largely phased out of professional acrylic systems?
- Ethyl methacrylate (EMA)
- Methyl methacrylate (MMA) (Correct answer)
- Butyl methacrylate (BMA)
- Isobutyl methacrylate (IBMA)
Correct answer: Methyl methacrylate (MMA)
MMA is known to cause severe allergic reactions, is extremely hard and difficult to remove, and is banned or restricted in many US states.
Question 7: What is the function of the eponychium in nail anatomy?
- It is the visible portion of the nail plate
- It is the living skin that overlaps the base of the nail plate and seals the matrix (Correct answer)
- It anchors the nail plate to the nail bed
- It produces the cells that form the nail plate
Correct answer: It is the living skin that overlaps the base of the nail plate and seals the matrix
The eponychium is the living skin at the base of the nail plate that creates a waterproof seal protecting the nail matrix from bacteria.
Cosmetology Test Nail Care and Services 3
A client presents with greenish discoloration under a nail enhancement.
What is the most likely cause?