Anatomy & DisordersQuestion 71 of 100
A client removes her sandals and you see a thickened, yellow-green toenail that is crumbling at the edge and gives off a foul odor. What must you do?
a.Buff the nail thin, disinfect extra well, and continue the pedicure
b.Politely explain that you cannot perform the service and recommend that she see a physician
c.Tell her she has a nail fungus and sell her an antifungal product from the retail shelf
d.Service the other nine toes and simply skip that one
Explanation
A thickened, discolored, crumbling nail with an odor shows signs of infection, and California manicurists may not service an infected nail. The correct response is to politely explain that you cannot perform the service and recommend she see a physician, without naming a disease. Buffing or filing it spreads the organism through the dust and around the salon, working around it still exposes the tools, the water and the next client, and naming the condition and selling a treatment is diagnosing and treating, which is outside your scope.
Law Reference: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Health and Safety Regulations (CCR Title 16)Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
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- During a pedicure consultation you notice that the side of a client's big toe is swollen, warm and oozing fluid where the nail has grown down into the skin. What must you do?
- A client's foot has itchy, peeling skin between the toes with raw, weeping cracks in it. What is the correct response?
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