What is indicated by the term systemic effect?

The term "systemic effect" refers to the impact of a medication or substance that occurs throughout the body rather than being confined to a specific area. This is achieved when the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and then distributed to various tissues and organs, producing effects that can influence multiple systems or the entire organism.

In the context of this question, the correct choice highlights that when a medication achieves a systemic effect, it indicates that after absorption, the medication travels through the bloodstream, allowing it to exert its action in various parts of the body, not just where it was administered. This is particularly important in pharmacology, as many medications are designed to work systemically to treat conditions that affect more than one area or system of the body.

The other choices refer to localized effects, either confined to the site of administration or limited to specific areas like the gastrointestinal tract or the skin. Such effects do not encompass the broader range of impacts that characterize systemic effects.