Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What type of conditions do hammer toes commonly occur in?

1. Patients with motor neuropathy

2. Patients with arthritis

3. Patients with skin infections

4. Patients with peripheral vascular disease

The correct answer is: Patients with motor neuropathy

Hammer toes are often associated with conditions involving muscle imbalances or nerve damage that affect the functioning of the foot's muscles. Motor neuropathy, which refers to a loss of motor function due to nerve damage, can lead to muscle weakness or alterations in muscle control in the foot. This disruption can result in an abnormal positioning of the toes, specifically curling or bending at the proximal interphalangeal joint, which is characteristic of hammer toes. In contrast, while arthritis can cause joint deformities that may mimic hammer toes, the specific pathophysiology of hammer toes is more directly linked to neuromuscular issues rather than inflammation of the joints. Skin infections and peripheral vascular disease could potentially contribute to foot problems but are not primary conditions associated with the development of hammer toes. Thus, the connection between motor neuropathy and the occurrence of hammer toes highlights the importance of neuromuscular integrity in foot health.