How to Answer NCLEX SATA (Select All That Apply) Questions

One of the most challenging question types on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams is SATA (Select All That Apply). These NCLEX alternate-format questions require test-takers to identify multiple correct answers, making them harder than traditional multiple-choice questions.

The NCLEX SATA questions assess a nurse’s ability to apply critical thinking, clinical judgment, prioritization, and knowledge of nursing interventions. Since these questions do not indicate how many options are correct, nursing students must approach them with a solid understanding of NCLEX content and test-taking strategies.

This guide will help you master NCLEX SATA questions by explaining their format, providing key strategies, and offering practice examples.

Understanding the Format of NCLEX SATA Questions

Select All That Apply (SATA) questions fall under the category of multiple-response questions, meaning you must select all the correct answers to receive credit.

• There is no partial credit—either all the selected options are correct, or the answer is marked wrong.
• The number of correct responses varies (it can be two or all of the choices).
• SATA questions are often used to assess nursing interventions, signs and symptoms, patient education, and prioritization.

Example Question Format:
Which of the following interventions is appropriate for a patient with heart failure?

• A) Administer IV fluids rapidly
• B) Monitor daily weight
• C) Educate on sodium restriction
• D) Encourage fluid intake of 3L per day
• E) Assess for edema

Correct Answer: B, C, E (Monitoring weight, sodium restriction, and edema assessment are correct; rapid IV fluids and excessive fluid intake worsen heart failure.)

Strategies for Answering NCLEX SATA Questions

1. Read the Question Carefully

• Identify the focus: What is the question asking? (Nursing intervention, assessment, signs & symptoms, patient education?)
• Determine if the question is asking for correct or incorrect responses.

Example:
“Which of the following indicates a need for further teaching?”

• This means you are selecting incorrect responses.

2. Treat Each Option as True or False

• Evaluate each statement individually as if it were a true or false question.
• Do not compare one answer choice to another.

Example Question:
A nurse is caring for a patient with hypoglycemia. Which of the following actions are appropriate?

• A) Administer glucagon IM if the patient is unconscious
• B) Give a meal rich in proteins and fats before administering glucose
• C) Provide 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates
• D) Monitor blood glucose levels frequently
• E) Restrict fluids

Answer Analysis:

• A) True – Glucagon is used for unconscious hypoglycemic patients.
• B) False – A carbohydrate source should be given before a meal, not a high-fat meal alone.
• C) True – 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates is the correct treatment.
• D) True – Blood glucose should be monitored closely.
• E) False – Fluids should not be restricted unless medically necessary.

Correct Answer: A, C, D

3. Do Not Assume There Is Only One Correct Answer

• SATA questions always have at least two correct options, but there is no maximum limit.
• Avoid second-guessing yourself—if an option is correct, select it.

4. Do Not Select an Answer Just Because It “Sounds Right”

• Every answer must directly relate to the question’s topic.
• Do not pick answers that contain general statements unless they apply directly to the condition or situation.

Example:
A nurse is providing patient education on anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. Which of the following statements should be included?

• A) “Avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.”
• B) “You should take aspirin daily for additional protection.”
• C) “Regular blood tests are needed to monitor INR levels.”
• D) “If you miss a dose, take two the next day to catch up.”
• E) “Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding.”

Correct Answer: A, C, E

• B is incorrect – Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
• D is incorrect – Never double the dose if one is missed.

5. Use Nursing Priority Frameworks

ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)

• Prioritize interventions that maintain a patent airway, improve oxygenation, and ensure perfusion.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

• Physiological needs (oxygenation, nutrition, elimination) are addressed before psychosocial needs.

The Nursing Process (ADPIE)

• Assessment is always the first step before diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation.

6. Be Cautious of Absolutes (All, Always, Never, Only, Must)

• Absolute statements are usually incorrect because they don’t allow for exceptions.

7. Answer SATA Questions With Confidence

• Do not overthink the number of correct responses.
• Stick to what you know—if an answer choice seems unfamiliar, it is likely incorrect.

NCLEX SATA Practice Questions

Question 1: SATA (Signs & Symptoms of Hypokalemia)

Which of the following are expected findings in a patient with hypokalemia?

• A) Muscle weakness
• B) Hyperactive reflexes
• C) Cardiac dysrhythmias
• D) Increased peristalsis
• E) Fatigue

Correct Answer: A, C, E

• B is incorrect – Hypokalemia causes decreased reflexes, not hyperactivity.
• D is incorrect – Hypokalemia leads to hypoactive bowel sounds, not increased peristalsis.

Question 2: SATA (Postoperative Nursing Interventions)

A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient after abdominal surgery. Which of the following nursing interventions are appropriate?

• A) Encourage early ambulation
• B) Monitor for signs of infection
• C) Keep the patient NPO until they have a bowel movement
• D) Administer pain medication as prescribed
• E) Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises

Correct Answer: A, B, D, E

• C is incorrect – Patients are not required to have a bowel movement before resuming oral intake; the return of bowel sounds is the key indicator.

Final Tips for NCLEX SATA Success

• Practice NCLEX-style SATA questions daily to build confidence.
• Use priority-setting frameworks (ABCs, Maslow, Nursing Process).
• Eliminate wrong answers first and treat each option as a true/false statement.
• Trust your knowledge—avoid overanalyzing the number of correct answers.

Mastering NCLEX Select All That Apply (SATA) questions requires critical thinking, a strong grasp of nursing concepts, and test-taking strategies. By following these techniques, you will improve your confidence and ability to pass the NCLEX exam on your first attempt.