Final answer:
The most common mode of drug absorption is the oral route due to its convenience for self-administration and effective absorption for many drugs. When oral administration is not suitable, parenteral routes like intravenous or intramuscular injections are used. Oral administration of an antimicrobial is typically preferred for treating systemic infections at home. The correct option is 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common mode of drug absorption for treating systemic infections, especially those that can be self-administered, is the oral route. This method is preferable when the drug can be easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract into the bloodstream.
In contrast, when oral administration is not feasible due to the characteristics of the drug or the condition of the patient, parenteral routes such as intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injections are employed, typically in healthcare settings. IV administration, while not as convenient for home use, results in higher plasma levels of the drug more quickly compared to oral or IM routes.
When considering the route of administration, special attention needs to be given to factors like the properties of the drug, the condition of absorption within the GI tract, and practical issues such as the ability of a patient to take medications orally. Additionally, some drugs are designed to treat localized infections and are available in topical preparations for this purpose.
In cases where systemic infections require treatment at home, oral administration of an antimicrobial agent is generally the appropriate and convenient method, although it necessitates consideration of the specifics of the drug's absorption, distribution, and metabolism.
Hence, Option 1 is correct.