Client Consultation and Communication
What the exam tests
Client consultation tests intake, medical screening, informed consent, expectation management, and documentation. The consultation is not small talk; it identifies contraindications and prevents avoidable reactions.
Core rules
- Ask about medical conditions, medications, allergies, previous nail-product reactions, occupation, and lifestyle.
- Screen for infection, open lesions, severe circulatory problems, neuropathy, and known acrylate allergy; refer when findings are outside scope.
- Explain the service, products, aftercare, removal, and risks in plain language; obtain consent before extensions or chemical services.
- Confirm the client's goal and show a color or shape sample when possible.
- Document products used, observations, advice, and referrals objectively.
- Protect privacy; do not discuss a client's health information with others.
Worked example
A client taking a blood thinner asks for aggressive cuticle cutting and callus removal. Reasoning: thinning blood increases bleeding risk, and cuticle cutting creates an open wound. Explain that you will push back softened cuticle and nip only a hangnail, avoid aggressive callus work, and refer if the skin is fragile. Document the modified service and the client's agreement.
Traps
Diagnosing a condition; promising a cure; skipping allergy questions; and failing to document a referral. Also avoid arguing with a client who declines a service; offer alternatives instead.