The nurse is percussing the lungs of a patient.
The nurse knows that percussion over normal adult lungs will reveal:

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.

Choice A rationale

Delayed documentation increases the risk of medication errors, as details about administration, patient response, and specific timing can be forgotten or inaccurately recalled, compromising patient safety and the accuracy of the medical record.

Choice B rationale

Nurses are legally and professionally obligated to document medications they personally administer. Documentation by a pharmacy technician is inappropriate and violates the principle of direct accountability for medication administration.

Choice C rationale

Only the individual who directly administers the medication should document its administration. This ensures accuracy, accountability, and traceability of the medication process, preventing errors and maintaining legal integrity of the medical record.

Choice D rationale

Immediate documentation after medication administration is a critical safety principle. It accurately reflects the precise time of administration, allowing for timely assessment of patient response, identification of adverse effects, and continuity of care.