The clinic health care worker notices that a client has a fungal infection on her nails that looks like the fungus is digesting the nail keratin. The nail appears opaque and white in color. The client states she has had this for years

Question

The health care worker suspects the client has:
A) Candidiasis
B) Cellulitis
C) Onychomycosis
D) Tinea corporis

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Onychomycosis often begins at the tip of the nail, where the fungus digests the nail keratin. Initially, the nail appears opaque, white, or silvery. The nail then turns yellow or brown and remains unchanged for years. Gradually, the nail thickens and cracks as the infection spreads. Candidiasis (moniliasis) is a fungal infection caused by C. albicans. This yeast-like fungus is a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and vagina. Cellulitis is a deeper infection affecting the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. The lesion consists of an expanding red, swollen, tender plaque with an indefinite border, covering a variety of widths. Cellulitis is frequently accompanied by fever, erythema, heat, edema, and pain. Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) are oval or circular patches on exposed skin surfaces and the trunk, back, or buttocks.