A powdered drug that is combined with water before administration is referred to as a(n):

A powdered drug that is combined with water before administration is referred to as a solution. When a powdered drug is dissolved in water, it forms a homogeneous mixture at a molecular level where the solute (the drug) is evenly distributed throughout the solvent (water). This ensures that each dose of the solution contains the same amount of the drug, allowing for consistent and accurate administration.

In contrast, a suspension involves solid particles that are dispersed but not dissolved in a liquid; these particles may settle over time, necessitating shaking before use. An emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, often stabilized by an emulsifier. A mixture, while a broad term that can refer to any combination of substances, does not specifically describe the process of dissolving a powdered drug in a solvent. Thus, the term solution is the most precise and relevant in this context.