Before administering a suspension medication, what is the required action?

To properly administer a suspension medication, shaking it well is essential because suspension medications consist of solid particles dispersed throughout a liquid medium. Over time, these particles can settle at the bottom of the container, leading to an uneven distribution of the active ingredients. By shaking the suspension thoroughly before administration, you ensure that the medication is homogeneously mixed, which allows for accurate dosing and effective therapeutic action.

Storing the medication in the refrigerator is not universally applicable for all suspension medications; some may need to be kept at room temperature. Warming medication to room temperature is generally unnecessary unless specified by the manufacturer, as most medications are formulated to be administered at ambient temperatures. Checking the expiration date is an important safety measure but does not directly impact the preparation and administration of the suspension before giving it to the patient. Thus, shaking the suspension before administration is the crucial step that ensures proper delivery and efficacy of the medication.