AST Surgical Technologist Exam Practice 2026 – Complete Study Resource

Opening the surgical pack on the back table is the most appropriate choice because the back table serves as a designated area for sterile instruments and supplies during a surgical procedure. By opening the pack on the back table, the surgical technologist ensures that the instruments and supplies remain uncontaminated and are easily accessible for the surgical team.

The back table is designed to be part of the sterile field, allowing for efficient organization and management of surgical items. This practice helps maintain a sterile environment, which is critical for preventing surgical site infections and ensuring patient safety.

In contrast, opening the surgical pack on other surfaces, such as the operating room floor or the scrub sink, would compromise the sterility of the items within the pack. The surgeon's table, while also part of the sterile field, is primarily reserved for the surgical procedure itself rather than for organizing and preparing surgical instruments and supplies prior to the procedure.