When opening a commercial pack, it is best to open to the ________; then open each _______.

Opening a commercial pack correctly is crucial in maintaining sterility and ensuring efficient use of the materials inside. The optimal practice is to first open to the sides of the pack and then proceed to open each end.

This method allows for the safe removal of items without compromising sterility. By starting with the sides, the package can unfold in a way that minimizes the risk of touching or contaminating the sterile contents, effectively creating a barrier with the packaging itself. Once the sides are opened, addressing each end allows for careful extraction of the items, ensuring that the sterile environment remains intact until the last moment when the items are accessed.

The other approaches mentioned in the options do not follow the same level of meticulousness and could lead to inadvertent exposure to contaminants or compromise the sterile condition of the supplies. Thus, opening to the sides first is the preferred method in clinical practice.