New Jersey State Board Manicuring Practice Exam

A bruised nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is classified as a nail disorder because it involves a physical damage to the nail plate or the underlying nail bed, which can cause discoloration and structural deformity. This condition may arise from trauma, such as stubbing a toe or hitting the nail with an object, leading to blood accumulation under the nail.

Understanding it as a nail disorder highlights its classification related to health and cosmetic issues affecting the nails, necessitating appropriate care and attention by professionals. Nail disorders encompass a range of issues that affect the nails, including infections, changes, and injuries, but a bruised nail is specifically linked to trauma and the resulting effects on the nail structure.

The other classifications do not accurately describe a bruised nail. For instance, a nail infection would involve pathogenic organisms causing harm, while nail enhancements refer to artificial modifications applied to the natural nail. Nail change is a broader term that could encompass various conditions, but does not specifically denote the injury that a bruised nail represents.