Anatomy & DisordersQuestion 65 of 100
A client asks you to cut all of her cuticle off and points to the band of living skin at the base of the nail plate. What must you do?
a.Cut it carefully with sharp nippers because the client requested it
b.Trim only the top layer of that living skin and leave the rest
c.Explain that this living skin is the eponychium and may not be cut, then gently push it back and remove only loose dead tissue
d.Soak the finger in acetone until the skin dissolves
Explanation
The band of living skin at the base of the plate is the eponychium, and cutting living tissue is outside a California manicurist's scope of practice no matter what the client asks for. Cutting it, even partially, breaks the seal that keeps bacteria out and invites infection. Only loose dead tissue sitting on the nail plate may be removed, and acetone does not and should not be used to dissolve skin.
Law Reference: CA Business & Professions Code §7320Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- A client points at the whitish half-moon shape at the base of her thumbnail and asks you what it is. What is the most accurate answer?
- A nervous first-time client asks why she cannot feel anything when you file the surface of her nail. What is the correct explanation?
- You remove a client's polish and notice that the natural nail looks pink through the plate. What is responsible for that pink color?
- Which tissue is the true cuticle, the only tissue a manicurist may gently remove?
- A client asks you to dig deep underneath the free edge of her nails with a metal tool so they will be really clean. Why should you refuse?
- What is the function of the nail grooves and the nail folds (sidewalls)?
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