Final answer:
The medical abbreviation for mixing small medication particles into a liquid form is called a suspension, which should be shaken before use to redistribute particles evenly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The abbreviation for the medical process of mixing small medication particles into a liquid form is called a suspension. This term refers to a heterogeneous mixture of suspended particles that appear cloudy and settle over time unless agitated. In the context of medicine, suspensions are liquid preparations containing finely divided drug particles distributed somewhat uniformly throughout a vehicle in which the drug exhibits a minimum degree of solubility. Before administering a suspension, it is important to shake the medicine to ensure that the particles are evenly redistributed.
For example, milk of magnesia is a suspension and must be shaken before use. This principle applies to any medication that falls into the suspension category, where the active ingredients are not completely dissolved in the liquid carrier.