A home health nurse is assessing a client who has AIDS. Which of the following responses by the client indicates a risk for suicide?

Choice A reason: This statement is not the best answer, as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is not the primary agency responsible for regulating or enforcing environmental standards. The NIH is a research agency that supports biomedical and public health research.

Choice B reason: This statement is the best answer, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency that protects human health and the environment by setting and enforcing standards for air, water, and land quality. The EPA regulates the use, disposal, and cleanup of asbestos, a known carcinogen and health hazard.

Choice C reason: This statement is not the best answer, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is not the primary agency responsible for regulating or enforcing environmental standards. The CDC is a public health agency that monitors and responds to disease outbreaks, conducts research, and provides health information.

Choice D reason: This statement is not the best answer, as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is not the primary agency responsible for regulating or enforcing environmental standards. The HHS is a cabinet-level department that oversees various health and human services programs and agencies, such as the NIH, the CDC, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Choice A reason: Wearing gloves when discarding the syringes is not necessary, as long as the syringes are placed in a sharps disposal container immediately after use. Gloves do not prevent needle-stick injuries or infections¹.

Choice B reason: Storing used syringes in a biohazard bag before discarding is not recommended, as biohazard bags are not puncture-resistant and may leak or spill. Biohazard bags are also not accepted by most disposal programs².

Choice C reason: Taking containers of used syringes to the local recycling center is not appropriate, as recycling centers do not accept medical waste. Recycling centers may also expose workers and the environment to potential hazards from the syringes³.

Choice D reason: Discarding the syringes in a metal container is a correct way to dispose of insulin needles, as long as the container is labeled as "Sharps" and has a tight-fitting lid. Metal containers, such as coffee cans or detergent bottles, are strong and durable and can prevent needle-stick injuries. Metal containers can be dropped off at designated collection sites or mailed back to disposal programs.