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Which of the following is a sign of bacterial infection of the nail?

  1. Tenderness

  2. Discoloration

  3. Surface pitting

  4. Increased curvature

The correct answer is: Discoloration

Discoloration is a significant indicator of bacterial infection in the nail. When a nail becomes discolored, this often signifies the presence of pathogenic microorganisms that can thrive and multiply, leading to an infection. The discoloration may manifest as a green, yellow, or black hue, which can result from the waste products of bacteria or the response of the immune system to the infection. In contrast, tenderness, surface pitting, and increased curvature may suggest other issues such as trauma, nail disorders, or fungal infections rather than a bacterial infection specifically. Thus, discoloration stands out as a key sign that points specifically to bacterial involvement in nail health.