Final answer:
The appropriate response when the sharps container is overflowing is to inform the supervisor.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the sharps container is overflowing when you come onto a shift, the appropriate response is to inform the supervisor about the overflowing sharps container. This is important because an overflowing sharps container can be a safety hazard, increasing the risk of accidental needlesticks and exposure to biohazardous materials.