Which patient characteristic could influence medication absorption?

Weight is a significant factor that can influence medication absorption due to its relationship with body mass and physiological factors such as body surface area and fat distribution. These elements can affect how a drug is metabolized, distributed, and eliminated within the body. For example, medications that are fat-soluble may be absorbed differently in individuals with varying amounts of body fat compared to those with less. Additionally, the dosage of medications may need to be adjusted based on a patient’s weight to ensure therapeutic effectiveness without causing toxicity.

Other patient characteristics such as height, ethnicity, and occupation may have less direct influence on medication absorption. While they can affect overall pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, weight is more directly correlated with the body’s capacity to absorb, distribute, metabolize, and excrete medications. Thus, understanding a patient’s weight is crucial for optimizing their medication regimen and achieving desired therapeutic outcomes.