NCLEX Select All That Apply (SATA): Winning Strategies

NCLEX Select All That Apply (SATA) questions are known for being challenging, but they don’t have to be intimidating. SATA questions test your ability to think critically, recognize patterns, and apply clinical judgment. With the right approach, these “multiple response” items can become one of your strongest areas on the exam.

What Makes NCLEX SATA Questions Difficult?

Unlike traditional multiple‑choice questions, SATA items may have:

More than one correct answer
All answers correct
Only one correct option
No partial credit (except in NGN formats)

This means you must carefully evaluate each option independently instead of looking for the “best” choice.

Winning Strategies for NCLEX SATA Questions

1. Treat Each Option as True or False
Read each option individually and ask yourself, “Is this true for the condition?”
Do NOT compare options to each other.
2. Look for Keywords in the Question
Pay close attention to words like:
- Priority
- Early signs
- Teaching needed
- Requires intervention
These keywords indicate what the question is really asking.
3. Understand the Condition Before Reading the Options
If you don’t understand the disease, you’ll misjudge the symptoms.
Pause and recall the pathophysiology first.
4. Don’t Select an Option Just Because It “Sounds Right”
SATA questions include distractors that sound medically correct but do not apply to the specific patient scenario.
5. Beware of Absolute Words
Options with words like:
- Always
- Never
- Must
- Only
Are usually red flags.
6. Focus on Safety and Priority
Use frameworks such as:
- ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
- Maslow’s hierarchy
- Nursing process (ADPIE)
7. Pay Attention to NGN Partial‑Credit Rules
NGN SATA questions can award partial credit if you select some correct options—even if you miss others.
This reduces penalties and encourages thoughtful answers.

Practice NCLEX SATA Example

Question:
A nurse is teaching a patient with heart failure about sodium restriction. Which statements indicate correct understanding? Select all that apply.

Options

1. “I will avoid canned soups.” ✔
2. “I should limit processed foods.” ✔
3. “I can use salt substitutes freely.” ✘ (risk of high potassium)
4. “I will check food labels for sodium content.” ✔
5. “I should drink unlimited fluids.” ✘

Why These Strategies Work

SATA questions reward strong clinical knowledge and safe decision‑making. By evaluating each statement independently and staying focused on the patient’s condition, you reduce errors and increase accuracy.

Final Thoughts