“K” Words for NCLEX Preparation | Day 32

Welcome to our journey through essential words related
to nursing or medicine, all starting with the letter “K” These words are
crucial for your NCLEX preparation, as they represent fundamental
concepts and terminology you’ll encounter in the healthcare field.

Karyorrhexis
Definition: The fragmentation of the nucleus of a dying cell whereby its chromatin is distributed irregularly throughout the cytoplasm.
Example: “Karyorrhexis is often observed in cells undergoing apoptosis or cell death.”

Keratoderma
Definition: A condition characterized by thickened skin, particularly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Example: “Palmoplantar keratoderma can be inherited or acquired due to various medical conditions.”

Ketoconazole
Definition: An antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections.
Example: “Ketoconazole is often prescribed for fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete’s foot or dandruff.”

Klippel-Feil Syndrome
Definition: A rare skeletal disorder characterized by the abnormal fusion of two or more spinal bones in the neck.
Example: “Individuals with Klippel-Feil Syndrome may have a short neck, restricted mobility of the upper spine, and other abnormalities.”

Knee Ligament Repair
Definition: Surgical procedure to fix a torn knee ligament, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Example: “Knee ligament repair is common among athletes who have injured their knees.”

Kaposi Sarcoma
Definition: A type of cancer that causes lesions in the soft tissues and is often associated with HIV/AIDS.
Example: “Kaposi Sarcoma is characterized by purple or brown patches on the skin or mucous membranes.”

Keratoplasty
Definition: A surgical procedure to replace part of the cornea.
Example: “Keratoplasty, or corneal transplantation, is performed to restore vision in patients with damaged corneas.”

Kinsey Scale
Definition: A scale for measuring a person’s sexual orientation, based on their experience or response at a given time.
Example: “The Kinsey Scale ranges from 0, exclusively heterosexual, to 6, exclusively homosexual.”

Knee Arthroscopy
Definition: A minimally invasive surgical procedure on the knee joint to diagnose and treat conditions.
Example: “Knee arthroscopy can be used to repair a torn meniscus.”

Kyphoscoliosis
Definition: A combination of kyphosis and scoliosis, disorders that cause an abnormal curvature of the spine.
Example: “Kyphoscoliosis can lead to breathing difficulties and back pain.”

Kernig Sign
Definition: A clinical sign to diagnose meningitis, where the thigh is bent at the hip and knee at 90-degree angles, and subsequent extension in the knee is painful.
Example: “A positive Kernig Sign may indicate meningitis.”

Karyotype
Definition: The number and visual appearance of the chromosomes in the cell nuclei of an organism or species.
Example: “Abnormalities in the karyotype can be indicative of genetic disorders.”

Klebsiella
Definition: A genus of bacteria that can cause different types of healthcare-associated infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections, and meningitis.
Example: “Klebsiella infections are often treated with antibiotics, but some strains have become highly antibiotic-resistant.”

Kallmann Syndrome
Definition: A genetic condition where the primary symptom is a failure to start or a failure to complete puberty.
Example: “Kallmann Syndrome is also associated with an impaired sense of smell.”

Knee Meniscectomy
Definition: A surgical procedure to remove all or part of a torn meniscus in the knee.
Example: “A meniscectomy might be necessary if a knee meniscus tear does not heal on its own.”

Congratulations on completing the module on important “K” words for NCLEX preparation! You’ve delved into the terminology that forms the foundation of nursing and medicine, all starting with the letter “K”