A nurse is administering aspirin to a client. Aspirin is ionized as it enters the small intestine. The nurse understands which of the following is correct regarding absorption of aspirin in the small intestine.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Aspirin is a weak acid, and in the basic (or less acidic) environment of the small intestine, it becomes ionized. Ionized molecules do not easily cross cell membranes, which decreases their absorption. Therefore, the absorption of aspirin is decreased in the small intestine compared to more acidic environments where it remains non-ionized and more readily absorbed.

A Nurse Is Administering Aspirin to a Client