Which of the following indicates a healthy nail bed?

• A. Redness and swelling
• B. Smooth, pink nail bed with a visible lunula and no redness or swelling
• C. Blue discoloration
• D. Thickened nails with ridges

Answer: (B)

A healthy nail bed looks smooth and pink with a visible lunula and no redness or swelling. The pink color comes from the good blood supply beneath the nail, indicating proper circulation and oxygen delivery. The lunula is the pale, half-moon area at the base of the nail and is a normal sign of healthy growth. Redness or swelling would point to inflammation or infection, blue discoloration signals lack of oxygenation or circulation issues, and thickened nails with ridges can indicate fungal changes or other conditions. So the description that matches a healthy nail bed is a smooth, pink nail bed with a visible lunula and no redness or swelling.