Final answer:
It is false that nursing assistants should recap used syringes; they should instead place them directly into a sharps disposal container to prevent needle-stick injuries and bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is False. It is not recommended for nursing assistants or any healthcare providers to recap used syringes, due to the risk of needle-stick injuries, which can lead to bloodborne pathogen transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines suggest that needles should not be recapped, bent, broken, or manipulated by hand.
Instead, used syringes should be immediately placed in a sharps disposal container to minimize exposure to infectious materials. This practice is crucial in maintaining safe handling procedures in medical environments and preventing potential cross-contamination or exposure to diseases such as HIV, as seen in the incident where a healthcare worker replaced syringes with contaminated contents.