Note, the applicant has at least a few weeks (few generally meaning two or three) to get the FPs taken, since the typical FP request instructs the applicant to have FPs taken within 30 days (a bit more than four weeks). So yes, of course, the applicant can take a few weeks, up to four, to get FPs taken and submitted.
While it is important to timely respond to the Finger Print request, IRCC is probably at least a little flexible, meaning it is probably no big deal if the applicant fails to submit the FPs precisely within the time prescribed in the FP request. BUT of course there is always some risk in failing to timely respond to IRCC requests.
Otherwise, as noted, the applicant has at least a few weeks to get the FPs taken, since the typical FP request instructs the applicant to have FPs taken within 30 days, so as long as the trip abroad was for less than two weeks, the applicant should have little problem getting the FPs taken timely. If the applicant's trip abroad is for more than two weeks, the applicant should be able to send IRCC notice that the FPs will be taken and submitted promptly upon returning to Canada consistent with the NOTICE the applicant gave IRCC (before leaving Canada) about plans to be abroad for more than two weeks.
If the applicant is abroad for longer than two weeks and did not give IRCC notice of that before leaving Canada, that's obviously a bit more sticky. The applicant may want to make a concerted effort to return to Canada as soon as feasible and have the FPs taken as soon as feasible. If that cannot be done close to the thirty day time frame allowed (or whatever the FP request to the applicant in particular states is the time frame), the applicant will want to research how to avoid having the application deemed abandoned.
As is oft observed, there are risks attendant going abroad while an application is pending; the most common risks are associated with failing to respond or appear timely following a notice or communication or request from IRCC.
The potential consequences are not limited to having the application deemed abandoned. Even if the applicant can avoid having the application deemed abandoned, there are indications that extended periods of time abroad, particularly if the applicant fails to timely respond or appear, can trigger elevated scrutiny, further non-routine processing, and potentially a full blown RQ.
