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The correct term for a mixture that is not absorbed and often involves ground glass is an ointment slab. An ointment slab is specifically designed for mixing and compounding topical medications or ointments. It provides a non-absorbent surface that allows pharmacists to combine various ingredients effectively while ensuring that they don’t absorb into the surface of the mixing tool.
This is crucial in pharmacy practice, as it ensures the integrity and consistency of the compounded mixture. Ointment slabs can be made from materials like glass or plastic, which allow for easy cleaning and prevent contamination.
In contrast, a mortar typically refers to a bowl, often made of porcelain or glass, used with a pestle for grinding and mixing medications, but the mortar itself absorbs some materials during use. A bowl is a generic term and doesn’t specifically relate to the compounding of medicinal mixtures in this context. A plate, on the other hand, is also a vague term that does not directly pertain to the practice of pharmaceutical compounding in the same way that an ointment slab does.