If there’s one question type that strikes fear into the hearts of nursing students, it’s Select All That Apply (SATA). These questions require you to identify multiple correct answers from a list of options—and partial credit isn’t always given. Many students find SATA questions challenging because there’s no “safety net” of choosing just one answer.
But here’s the truth: SATA questions aren’t designed to trick you. They test whether you can recognize ALL the appropriate nursing actions or correct information for a given situation. With the right strategies, you can master SATA questions and even come to appreciate them as opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge.
Understanding SATA Questions
What Makes SATA Different
In traditional multiple-choice questions, you select ONE best answer. In SATA questions:
- You must select ALL correct options
- There may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or more correct answers
- There’s always at least one correct answer
- On the traditional NCLEX, you must get ALL correct for credit (0/1 scoring)
- On NGN extended multiple-response items, partial credit may apply
How SATA Questions Are Scored
Traditional NCLEX SATA: All-or-nothing scoring. You must select every correct answer AND avoid selecting incorrect answers to receive credit.
NGN Extended Multiple Response: May use +/- scoring where you gain points for correct selections and lose points for incorrect selections.
The True/False Strategy
The most effective strategy for SATA questions is to evaluate each option independently using a true/false approach:
Step-by-Step Process
- Read the question stem carefully: Understand exactly what’s being asked
- Cover the options: Mentally or physically, so you’re not influenced by the choices
- Evaluate each option separately: Ask “Is this TRUE for this specific situation?”
- Don’t compare options: Each option stands alone
- Select all TRUE statements: Don’t second-guess yourself
Example:
A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure. Which interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? Select all that apply.
- Weigh the patient daily at the same time
- Restrict fluid intake as ordered
- Encourage a high-sodium diet
- Monitor for peripheral edema
- Administer diuretics as prescribed
- Encourage bed rest at all times
Apply True/False:
- Option 1: TRUE – Daily weights monitor fluid status
- Option 2: TRUE – Fluid restriction is common for HF
- Option 3: FALSE – Sodium restriction is indicated, not high sodium
- Option 4: TRUE – Edema indicates fluid retention
- Option 5: TRUE – Diuretics manage fluid overload
- Option 6: FALSE – Activity as tolerated is recommended; complete bed rest increases risks
Answer: 1, 2, 4, 5
Common SATA Traps and How to Avoid Them
Trap 1: Selecting Too Few Options
Many students are afraid of selecting “too many” answers and default to choosing only 2-3 options.
Solution: Evaluate each option independently. It’s possible for 4, 5, or even 6 options to be correct. Trust your knowledge.
Trap 2: Looking for Patterns
Students sometimes think “the answer can’t be 1, 2, 3, 4” or look for some pattern.
Solution: There’s no pattern. Each question is unique. Focus on content, not patterns.
Trap 3: Overthinking
Spending too much time trying to find the “trick” in each option.
Solution: SATA questions aren’t trying to trick you. Apply your nursing knowledge straightforwardly.
Trap 4: Absolute Words
Options with words like “always,” “never,” “all,” or “none” are often (but not always) incorrect.
Solution: Be cautious of absolutes, but evaluate in context. Sometimes absolutes are correct (e.g., “Never recap needles using two hands”).
Content-Specific Tips
Medication Administration SATA
When asked about medication teaching or administration:
- Think about right patient, drug, dose, route, time
- Consider side effects and what to teach
- Remember assessment before administration
Nursing Intervention SATA
When asked what interventions are appropriate:
- Start with safety measures
- Include monitoring and assessment
- Consider patient teaching
- Think about prevention of complications
Priority Setting SATA
When asked to identify priority actions:
- All immediate safety interventions may apply
- Multiple ABC-related actions could be correct
- Assessment AND intervention may both be priorities
Practice Strategy
How to Practice SATA Effectively
- Do SATA-only practice sessions: Build familiarity with the format
- Review rationales thoroughly: Understand why each option is correct or incorrect
- Track your performance: Identify patterns in your mistakes
- Practice the true/false method: Until it becomes automatic
- Time yourself: Don’t spend more than 2-3 minutes per SATA question
Building Confidence
The more you practice SATA questions, the more confident you’ll become. Many test-takers report that SATA questions became easier once they:
- Stopped fearing them
- Applied consistent strategies
- Trusted their nursing knowledge
- Practiced regularly with rationale review
SATA on the Next Generation NCLEX
On the NGN, you’ll encounter enhanced multiple-response questions in various formats:
- Matrix/Grid questions: Select multiple responses across categories
- Extended multiple-response: May have more options and partial credit
- Within case studies: Integrated into unfolding clinical scenarios
The same true/false strategy applies to all these formats. Evaluate each possible response independently against the clinical scenario.
Final Tips for SATA Success
- Don’t leave answers blank: If you’re unsure, make your best selections
- Trust your preparation: If you’ve studied, you know more than you think
- Read every option: Don’t stop reading after finding one correct answer
- Breathe: Stay calm and apply your strategy systematically
- Practice daily: Comfort comes from familiarity
SATA questions are not your enemy—they’re opportunities to show that you understand the complexity of nursing care. With practice and the right approach, you’ll approach them with confidence.
