Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which term describes the deformity of the nail plate resulting in encurvated and involuted nails?

1. Onychophosis

2. Onychocryptosis

3. Tinea pedis

4. Plantar wart

The correct answer is: Onychophosis

The term that accurately describes the deformity of the nail plate resulting in encurvated and involuted nails is onychophosis. Onychophosis refers to the abnormal growth or thickening of the nail, which can lead to a curling or involuting appearance of the nail plate. This condition can stem from various factors, including trauma, irritation, or fungal infections, which contribute to the nail's structural changes and ultimately alter its typical shape. In contrast, onychocryptosis, often referred to as ingrown nails, involves the nail growing into the surrounding skin rather than deformity in the nail plate itself. Tinea pedis is a fungal infection of the foot, commonly known as athlete's foot, and does not specifically pertain to nail plate deformities. A plantar wart is a growth that appears on the bottom of the foot and is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), further distinguishing it from conditions affecting nail structure. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why onychophosis is the correct term relating to the encurvated and involuted shape of the nails.