Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What characterizes hammer toes or claw toes?

1. Flexion contractures of the PIP or DIP joints

2. Hyperkeratosis formation on the heel

3. Deviation of the great toe outward

4. Inflammation of the ankle joint

The correct answer is: Flexion contractures of the PIP or DIP joints

Hammer toes and claw toes are both conditions characterized by abnormal flexion or positioning of the toe joints, specifically involving the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and/or distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. In these conditions, the toes are commonly bent in a way that resembles a hammer (in the case of hammer toes) or have a more pronounced flexion of the PIP joint while the DIP joint may be hyperextended (in the case of claw toes). The hallmark of these conditions is that they result in flexion contractures at one or more of the toe joints, particularly the PIP and DIP joints. This abnormal positioning can lead to complications such as pain, difficulty in finding properly fitting footwear, and the development of calluses and corns due to pressure points. While the other options mention conditions or issues that can be associated with foot problems, none accurately define the specific characteristics of hammer toes or claw toes. Hyperkeratosis on the heel pertains to thickening of the skin in response to pressure but does not describe the joint flexion issues characteristic of hammer and claw toes. Similarly, deviation of the great toe outward relates to the condition known as hallux valgus, and inflammation of the ankle joint does not