Dictionary

Named signs

Signs and patterns named after the people who described them: Kussmaul, Homans, Chvostek and more.

Kehr signPain at the tip of the left shoulder that is referred there from the abdomen.

Kerley B linesShort, thin horizontal lines near the outer edges of the lower lungs on a chest x-ray.

Kernig signPain or resistance in the back of the thigh when the knee is straightened while the hip is bent at a right angle.

Koplik spotsTiny white or bluish-white spots on a red base on the inside of the cheeks.

Korotkoff soundsThe tapping sounds heard through a stethoscope over an artery as a blood pressure cuff is let down.

Kussmaul respirationsA breathing pattern of deep, rapid, labored breaths at an even pace.