“K” Words for NCLEX Preparation | Day 31

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.

Kawasaki Disease
Definition: An illness that causes blood vessels to become inflamed, almost always in young children.
Example: “Kawasaki disease can affect the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.”

Keratoplasty
Definition: A surgical procedure to replace part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor.
Example: “Keratoplasty is often performed to improve vision or reduce pain in a damaged cornea.”

Kinase
Definition: An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups from high-energy donor molecules to specific substrates.
Example: “Certain kinase inhibitors are used in cancer therapy.”

Kinesio Tape
Definition: A therapeutic tape that’s applied strategically to the body to provide support, lessen pain, reduce swelling, and improve performance.
Example: “Kinesio tape is commonly used by athletes for injury prevention and recovery.”

Kussmaul Breathing
Definition: Deep and labored breathing pattern often associated with severe metabolic
acidosis, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) but also kidney failure.
Example: “Kussmaul breathing is a sign of extremely high blood acid levels.”

Kyphoplasty
Definition: A surgical procedure to treat spinal compression fractures.
Example: “Kyphoplasty involves injecting bone cement to stabilize the spine.”

Ketoacidosis
Definition: A serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.
Example: “Diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening complication if not treated promptly.”

Kleptomania
Definition: A recurrent urge to steal, typically without regard for need or profit.
Example: “Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder.”

Keratoconjunctivitis
Definition: Inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye.
Example: “Keratoconjunctivitis can be caused by infection, dry eyes, or exposure to irritants.”

Knock-Knees
Definition: A condition in which the knees angle in and touch one another when the legs are straightened.
Example: “Children often have knock-knees, but they usually straighten out as they grow.”

Karyotyping
Definition: A test to examine chromosomes in a sample of cells to identify genetic
abnormalities.
Example: “Karyotyping can be used for prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal disorders.”

Keratosis Pilaris
Definition: A common skin condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps, typically on the arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks.
Example: “Keratosis pilaris doesn’t hurt or itch but can be unsightly.”

Kidney Stones
Definition: Hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys.
Example: “Kidney stones can cause severe pain and blood in the urine.”

Knee Replacement
Definition: A surgical procedure to replace a knee damaged by a disease or injury with an artificial joint.
Example: “Total knee replacement is often performed for severe arthritis of the knee.”

Kernig’s Sign
Definition: A clinical sign that indicates irritation of the meninges.
Example: “Kernig’s sign is positive when a patient can’t straighten the leg when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees.”

You’ve delved into the terminology that forms the
foundation of nursing and medicine, all starting with the letter “K”