Which of the following best describes the process of a medication entering systemic circulation?

The process of medication entering systemic circulation is best described by absorption. Absorption refers to the process by which a drug is taken up into the bloodstream after administration. This can occur through various routes, such as oral, intravenous, or intramuscular, and involves the transfer of the drug from its site of administration to the bloodstream.

Once a medication is absorbed, it can then be distributed throughout the body; however, the key aspect of getting the drug into systemic circulation is the absorption phase. It is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to understand this process, as it influences how quickly and effectively a medication will exert its therapeutic effects. Factors that can affect absorption include the drug's formulation, the route of administration, and patient-specific factors such as gastric pH and gut motility.