I agree and want to add a few thoughts. I've found the best way out of these kinds of questions, where the asker hasn't put in even the lowest level of effort

I agree and want to add a few thoughts. I've found the best way out of these kinds of questions, where the asker hasn't put in even the lowest level of effort is to say, "I don't know, but here's what I would do first to figure it out." Most people will be glad to find out there is a path forward and take it themselves. If they're not willing to pick it up there and do the thing you've suggested then you are dealing with someone who doesn't value your time and setting a boundary is the right thing to do. The kind way to respond at that point is simply, "I'm sorry I don't have time to figure this out right now. You can try [the thing I suggested] and come back if you still have questions." The crux here is there is no kind way to just make people go away. If your role is mentoring, and any of us with experience should be in that role at least a little, then some of your time is going to be spent on this interaction. The most valuable thing you can do for yourself, the other person and the company is lead them toward finding the answer themselves. That's going to require a balance of helping and honestly and kindly saying no to doing their work for them. Not easy.