Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What type of infection involves the tissues around the base of the nail?

1. Onychia

2. Paronychia

3. Onychomycosis

4. Tinea pedis

The correct answer is: Paronychia

Paronychia refers to the infection that occurs around the base of the nail, specifically affecting the soft tissue surrounding it. It can be caused by bacterial or fungal agents and often presents with swelling, redness, pain, and possible drainage. This condition can arise from various factors, including trauma to the area, excessive moisture, or chronic nail biting. In contrast, onychia is an infection of the nail matrix, leading to inflammation but not specifically involving the tissue around the nail itself. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that primarily affects the nail plate rather than the adjacent skin, and tinea pedis is a fungal infection of the foot, commonly known as athlete's foot, which does not involve the nails directly. Therefore, paronychia is the most accurate description of an infection involving the tissues surrounding the base of the nail.