You know a little about a colleague's project, so you answer a question while they are away. The next questions come to you too. Eventually you are explaining decisions you did not make and chasing information you do not own.
Point people to the current owner when the question concerns their work. If you can provide one factual detail, do that and make the limit clear. "The file is in this folder; Maya can confirm the latest decision."
Pass the question with its context
If a handover is needed, include the question and what you have already answered. That saves the person from restarting the conversation. Avoid adding your own guess about an unresolved decision simply to make the message feel complete.
If you are expected to cover the project, ask for a proper briefing and a defined period. Coverage is a task that needs information and time. At the end of the period, tell the team who is handling new questions so the temporary arrangement does not continue by accident.
