American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

With poor circulation, what happens to the rate of nail growth?

1. It increases

2. It remains unchanged

3. It slows down

4. It stops completely

The correct answer is: It slows down

Poor circulation significantly impacts nail growth due to the reduced blood flow that prevents the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the nail matrix, where nail growth occurs. When circulation is compromised, the cells responsible for producing new nail tissue receive less of what they need to function efficiently. This results in a slower rate of cell division and, consequently, slower nail growth. Additionally, nails are formed from keratin, and their growth can be directly influenced by the health and supply of surrounding tissues. In conditions of poor circulation, not only is the metabolic need not met, but it may also lead to other complications such as a higher risk of infections or nail deformities, which can further impair growth. Therefore, while nails might not stop growing entirely, the reduction in blood flow will clearly manifest as a slower growth rate.