Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Tinea unguium refers specifically to a fungal infection of the nails, predominantly affecting the toenails, but it can also occur in fingernails. This condition is characterized by nail discoloration, thickening, and potential separation of the nail from the nail bed.

The term "tinea" denotes a fungal infection, while "unguium" is derived from the Latin word for nails. The infection is often caused by dermatophytes, which are a type of fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, making toenails particularly susceptible.

This diagnosis is differentiated from other types of fungal infections mentioned in the other options. For example, a skin rash could stem from various etiologies, including allergic reactions or other skin conditions, and does not specifically indicate a fungal infection of the nails. A scalp infection could refer to conditions like tinea capitis, which involves a fungal infection of the scalp, and jock itch is specifically a type of tinea cruris affecting the groin area. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and does not overlap with the definition of tinea unguium. Thus, the correct response accurately identifies the nature of the infection as it pertains to the nails.