Final answer:
The main purpose of an indwelling right atrial catheter (Hickman) is to deliver medications directly into the right atrium. It is often used for patients who need long-term medication administration, such as chemotherapy. Pressure measurement and other purposes listed in the options are not the primary functions of Hickman catheters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of an indwelling right atrial catheter (Hickman) is to deliver medications directly into the right atrium. This type of catheter provides long-term intravenous access, which can be used for several purposes such as administering chemotherapy, nutritional supplements, or long-term antibiotics. Right atrial catheters are different from devices meant to measure pressure like arterial lines or devices used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart such as an electrocardiogram (ECG). The catheters ensure that medications are delivered efficiently and reduce the need for repeated needle sticks for patients requiring frequent or continuous medication administration.
While an indwelling atrial catheter can be used to collect blood samples, monitoring pressure or electrical activity, and removal of blood clots are not its primary purposes. In the list of options given to the student, the correct purpose is option 2, To deliver medications directly into the right atrium. It's important to note that pressure measurement within the heart usually requires different devices and procedures, and typically occurs in the context of surgery or intensive care due to its invasive nature.