Which factors affect the gastrointestinal absorption of medicines? (Select all that apply.) Select 4 options.

(Select All that Apply.).

Choice A rationale:
Evaluation is the final step in the nursing process where the nurse determines if the goals set in the planning stage have been met. This does not involve identifying the therapeutic intent of a medication.
Choice B rationale:
Assessment is the first step in the nursing process where the nurse gathers information about the patient’s physical, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual status. While this may involve understanding the patient’s medication regimen, it does not specifically involve identifying the therapeutic intent of a medication.
Choice C rationale:
Planning involves setting goals and developing a plan to meet those goals. While this may involve considering the therapeutic intent of a medication, it is not the step where this identification occurs.
Choice D rationale:
Implementation is the step of the nursing process where the nurse executes the plan of care. This includes identifying the therapeutic intent of a prescribed medication.

Choice A rationale:
Trough levels are the lowest concentration in the patient’s bloodstream, hence they are not the best indicator of the amount of circulating medication.
Choice B rationale:
The term ‘Drug’ is too general and does not specifically refer to the amount of medication in the patient’s bloodstream.
Choice C rationale:
Peak levels are the highest concentration of a drug in the patient’s bloodstream after administration. This is when the amount of the medication in the body is likely to be highest.
Choice D rationale:
Therapeutic levels refer to the range in which a drug is expected to be effective without causing any serious problems to the patient. It does not directly indicate the amount of circulating medication.