Which of the following is NOT one of the three safe ways to remove needles?

• A. Using forceps
• B. Using a sharps bin
• C. Using a foam wedge
• D. Using a magnet

Answer: (D)

Safe handling of needles hinges on preventing needlestick injuries by capturing the needle with a tool you can control, keeping it away from skin, and disposing of it in a protected container. Using forceps lets you grasp the needle securely from a safe distance, reducing the chance of an accidental poke, and then you can place it directly into a sharps bin so it’s contained and out of reach. A foam wedge provides a protective surface to cradle or guide the needle if you can’t grab it right away, helping to avoid direct hand contact while you secure it for disposal. A magnet, by contrast, isn’t reliable for this task. It doesn’t guarantee the needle will be captured securely, can allow the sharp to move unpredictably, and doesn’t provide safe containment in a sharps bin, all of which raise the risk of another injury. So the magnet is not considered one of the safe methods.