Questions: A client comes to the clinic due to losing a fingernail while doing consiruction on their home. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the fingernail to regrow. What is the best response by the nurse? "It will probably take about 12 months to totally replace a fingernail." "It will only take about a week for it to fully regrow." "It will grow back in time, but may never be the same." "It takes about 6 months to totally replace a fingernail."

The answer is the last one: "It takes about 6 months to totally replace a fingernail."

Explanation for each option:

1. "It will probably take about 12 months to totally replace a fingernail." - This is incorrect for fingernails. Toenails typically take about 12 to 18 months to fully regrow, but fingernails grow faster.

2. "It will only take about a week for it to fully regrow." - This is incorrect. Fingernails grow at a rate of approximately 3 millimeters per month, so it takes much longer than a week for a fingernail to fully regrow.

3. "It will grow back in time, but may never be the same." - While it is true that sometimes nails may not grow back exactly the same, this response does not provide a specific timeframe, which is what the client is asking for.

4. "It takes about 6 months to totally replace a fingernail." - This is the correct response. On average, it takes about 6 months for a fingernail to fully regrow, depending on the individual's health and age.

In summary, the best response by the nurse is to inform the client that it takes about 6 months to totally replace a fingernail.