Final answer:
The first item a surgical technologist in the scrub role should remove after completing an operative procedure is the mask.
Step-by-step explanation:
After completing an operative procedure, the FIRST item a surgical technologist in the scrub role should remove is the mask. The purpose of wearing a mask is to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets and protect the patient from any potential contamination during the procedure. Once the mask is removed, the surgical technologist can proceed to remove other items such as the gown, gloves, and shoe covers, following proper protocol for infection control.