OR Nail Technician flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Pathogenic bacteria

Bacteria that cause disease in humans, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They spread through unclean implements, unwashed hands, and contaminated water or surfaces.

Cocci bacilli spirilla

The three bacterial shapes: cocci are round, bacilli are rod-shaped, and spirilla are spiral or corkscrew-shaped. Shape is one way organisms are identified under a microscope.

Bacterial spores

Dormant forms produced by some bacteria that resist heat and many chemicals. Ordinary salon disinfectants may not kill spores, so items contacting spores require sterilization.

Bloodborne pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms carried in blood and body fluids, notably hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. They enter the body through broken skin, needlesticks, or mucous membranes.

Universal precautions

An infection-control rule treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Barriers such as gloves are used with every client regardless of known health status.

Handwashing time

Lather soap with running water and rub all surfaces for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry with a single-use towel. Perform before and after every client.

Disinfection

Use of an EPA-registered chemical to kill most microorganisms, including most bacteria and viruses, on hard nonporous surfaces and implements. It does not reliably destroy bacterial spores.

Sterilization

Complete destruction of all microorganisms including bacterial spores, usually by autoclave or steam under pressure. It is the highest level of decontamination in infection control.

EPA-registered disinfectant

A product with an EPA registration number and label claims such as hospital-grade or tuberculocidal, approved for killing pathogens on nonporous salon surfaces and implements.

Single-use porous items

Items such as emery boards, buffers, wooden sticks, cotton, and towels that absorb liquids and cannot be disinfected. They must be discarded after one client.

Blood spill procedure

Wearing gloves, absorb the spill with a disposable towel, clean with soap and water, disinfect with an EPA-registered product or 1:10 bleach solution, and seal waste in a bag.

Safety Data Sheet

An OSHA-required document for each chemical listing hazards, first aid, handling, and spill response. It must be kept in the salon and accessible to all workers.

GFCI outlet

A ground-fault circuit interrupter that cuts power when it detects current leaking to ground. Required near sinks and water sources to prevent electric shock.

Base coat function

A thin first layer that bonds to the natural nail, prevents pigment staining, and improves adhesion so polish lasts longer. It is applied before color coats.

Monomer and polymer

The liquid monomer and powder polymer that react chemically to form acrylic enhancements. Correct mixing ratio creates a workable bead that cures strong rather than brittle.

Squoval nail shape

A square nail with softened, rounded corners. It reduces corner snagging while keeping a wide, straight free edge, suiting most nail beds and active clients.

Nail dehydrator

A liquid applied to the natural nail before enhancements to remove surface oils and moisture and improve adhesion. Overuse or heavy abrasion can thin and sensitize the plate.

Acetone soak removal

The standard removal method for acrylic and soft gel: file the top layer, soak in acetone 10-15 minutes, then gently push off softened product without forcing.

Massage stroke direction

In hand and foot massage, strokes move distal to proximal toward the heart with light pressure, avoiding varicose veins, bruises, and inflamed or broken skin.

Nail file grit

A number showing abrasive coarseness: lower numbers near 100 are coarse for shortening, higher numbers of 240 and above are fine for finishing natural nails.

Nail matrix

The living tissue at the base of the nail where new nail plate cells are produced. Injury to the matrix permanently alters the nail's growth and shape.

Lunula

The whitish half-moon area at the base of the nail plate. It is the visible portion of the matrix, appearing lighter because cells are not yet fully flattened.

Hyponychium

The skin seal beneath the free edge of the nail plate where it meets the fingertip. It protects the nail bed from bacteria and debris.

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3 mm, or one-eighth inch, per month, faster than toenails. A complete fingernail is replaced in roughly 4 to 6 months.

Onychomycosis

A contagious fungal infection of the nail plate and bed producing thickening, yellow-brown discoloration, and crumbly edges. It is a disease and must be referred, not serviced.

Paronychia

Inflammation or infection of tissue around the nail, causing redness, swelling, and pain. It is a nail disease requiring referral to a physician.

Onycholysis

Painless separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, often from trauma, aggressive filing, or product lifting. The gap traps moisture and can invite infection.

Koilonychia

A non-contagious nail disorder in which the plate is thin and scooped upward like a spoon. It may be associated with systemic conditions.

Oregon Health Licensing Office

The state agency that issues and renews Oregon cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology licenses and enforces the rules in OAR Chapter 817.

Booth rent

A business arrangement in which a practitioner pays a fixed weekly or monthly fee to a salon owner for space, keeping all service income and paying self-employment tax.

ORS Chapter 690

The Oregon Revised Statutes chapter governing cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology, covering licensing requirements, sanitation standards, and prohibited practices.

Oregon sales tax

Oregon has no state or local general sales tax, so nail services and retail products sold in a salon are not subject to sales tax at the point of sale.