The client asks what the effect of taking a medication on an empty stomach would be. The nurse answers:
The drug is absorbed more rapidly.
The drug is affected by enzymes in the colon.
This causes the drug to be absorbed more slowly.
The drug will be neutralized by the pancreatic enzymes.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Administering medication on an empty stomach generally promotes faster absorption due to several physiological factors. Without food, gastric emptying time is significantly reduced, meaning the drug spends less time in the stomach and moves more quickly into the small intestine, which is the primary site for nutrient and drug absorption. Furthermore, the absence of food also minimizes potential drug-food interactions that could chelate or bind the drug, thereby decreasing its bioavailability and absorption rate.
Choice B rationale
Enzymes in the colon primarily function in the digestion of undigested food components, particularly complex carbohydrates, through microbial fermentation. While some drug metabolism can occur via colonic microbiota, the colon is not a primary site for drug absorption, and enzymatic activity in the colon is not the main factor influencing the absorption rate of orally administered medications, especially in the initial stages after ingestion.
Choice C rationale
Taking a drug on an empty stomach typically accelerates absorption, not slows it. Food in the stomach can delay gastric emptying, dilute the drug concentration, and create a physical barrier that impedes contact with the absorptive surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the presence of food is more likely to slow absorption.
Choice D rationale
Pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and proteases, are secreted into the duodenum to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. While these enzymes can interact with certain drugs, particularly protein-based medications, they are primarily involved in digestion rather than direct neutralization of most orally administered drugs in a manner that would significantly alter absorption on an empty stomach.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["100"]
Explanation
Step 1 is calculate the flow rate in mL/hr. 100 mL ÷ 60 minutes = 1.666 mL/minute. 1.666 mL/minute × 60 minutes/hr = 99.96 mL/hr. Rounded to whole number: 100 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is ["1.1"]
Explanation
Step 1 is: 4500 units ÷ (4000 units/mL) = 1.125 mL.
Step 2 is: Rounding to the tenths place, the final calculated answer is 1.1 mL.
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