Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

Which condition is directly associated with foot deformities such as hammertoes and claw toes?

1. Bunion formation

2. Peripheral arterial disease

3. Motor neuropathy

4. Diabetic neuropathy

The correct answer is: Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves and is commonly seen in individuals with diabetes. This condition leads to a loss of sensation in the feet, which can result in improper foot mechanics and alignment. As a result, individuals may develop foot deformities such as hammertoes and claw toes due to imbalances in muscle function and the inability to perceive pressure or injury properly. With the loss of protective sensation, individuals with diabetic neuropathy may not respond to repetitive stress or injury to the foot, leading to structural changes over time. This neurological compromise affects the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the foot, contributing to deformities. In contrast, other conditions listed, while they may impact foot health, do not directly lead to the specific deformities mentioned. Bunion formation is primarily due to structural issues at the base of the big toe, peripheral arterial disease affects blood flow but does not directly cause muscle or nerve imbalances, and motor neuropathy affects muscle control but does not necessarily lead to the formation of hammertoes or claw toes as effectively as diabetic neuropathy does.