Glossary

A |  B |  C |  D |  E |  F |  G |  H |  I |  J |  K |  L |  M
N |  O |  P |  Q |  R |  S |  T |  U |  V |  W |  X |  Y |  Z  

K

kaccha
in Sikhism, special undershorts worn by members of both sexes, as a reminder of modesty and sexual morality for women.

kanga
a comb worn in the hair by Sikhs.

kara
a steel bangle, worn on the right wrist by Sikhs.

karma
the law of cause and effect.

kegel exercises
pelvic floor strengthening exercises.

ketosis
abnormal accumulation of ketones in the body resulting from a deficiency or inadequate utilization of carbohydrates.

kilocalorie
a thousand calories; the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius.

kinesiologist
a member of the health team who specializes in human movement and human performance.

kinesthesia
the sense that tells the person where body parts are in relation to one another.

Kirpan
a symbolic dagger, worn under the clothes by Sikhs as a symbol of readiness to fight.

knee-chest position
a person kneels with the buttocks upward.
The upper body part is support by flexed elbows.

knowledge deficit
not a nursing diagnosis; refers to the lack of knowledge a patient has about his or her condition or about aspects of his or her care.

koilonychia
spoonshaped nail with a concave curve.

Koran
the Holy Scriptures of the Islamic religion.

Kosh
uncut hair maintained by Sikhs.

kusti
a woven cord worn around the waist.