What is the primary purpose of a needle attached to a catheter?

The primary purpose of a needle attached to a catheter is indeed to connect to a syringe for medication delivery. This is a common practice in medical procedures where precise administration of medication is required. The needle serves as the initial instrument used to puncture the skin and access the vascular system. Once the needle is in the correct position within a vein, the catheter is threaded through the needle and remains in place, allowing for continuous infusion or administration of medications without repeated needle sticks.

This method is essential for delivering fluids, medications, or other treatments directly into the bloodstream. It ensures that the medication can be safely and accurately administered, and it minimizes patient discomfort that could arise from multiple insertions. When the needle is withdrawn after the catheter is placed, the catheter remains in place to deliver the medication as needed.

The context of other options highlights different uses of needles or catheters but does not align with the primary function described here. For example, while a needle can also be used to collect blood samples and stabilize catheters may be necessary, these are not the primary use associated with a needle attached to a catheter specifically intended for medication delivery.