The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a critical exam for nursing students, designed to test the knowledge and clinical judgment skills necessary for safe, effective nursing care. One of the most challenging question types you'll encounter is the SATA — Select All That Apply. These aren’t just trickier than regular multiple-choice questions—they require a deeper understanding of the topic, as you’ll need to analyze each answer independently.
This guide will teach you exactly how to approach SATA questions confidently, avoid common pitfalls, and increase your chances of passing the NCLEX in 2025.
📘 Related: Different Types of NCLEX Questions
What Are SATA Questions?
Select All That Apply questions are multiple-response questions where more than one answer can be correct. You won’t get partial credit—so if you miss even one correct or select one incorrect answer, the whole response is marked wrong.
This means:
- You must evaluate each option individually
- Critical thinking and clinical judgment are essential
- Guessing can hurt more than help
✅ Strategies for Answering SATA Questions
1. Treat Each Option as True/False
Approach each option individually, like its own true/false question. Don’t try to find patterns between choices.
Example:
Which of the following are signs of hypoglycemia? (Select all that apply)
- A. Confusion ✅
- B. Bradycardia ❌
- C. Diaphoresis ✅
- D. Hypertension ❌
- E. Tremors ✅
By treating each item independently, you avoid the trap of overthinking.
2. Eliminate Clearly Incorrect Answers
Even though more than one option may be right, many are still obviously wrong. Get rid of those first.
Look out for absolute language: “always,” “never,” “only,” “all” — often a red flag.
📘 Read: 25 NCLEX Study Tips That Actually Work
3. Look for Priority Language
SATA questions often sneak in priority nursing language. Think of the NCLEX pyramid:
- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation
- Safety
- Pain (after ABCs)
Highlight options that protect life first.
📘 Related: Ultimate NCLEX Vocabulary & Key Concepts Guide
4. Know the NCLEX “Client Needs” Framework
The NCLEX is structured around 4 categories:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity (read more)
- Physiological Integrity
Knowing what the question is really testing helps you filter better.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
There’s no shortcut—doing hundreds of SATA-style questions will help train your brain to spot patterns, logic, and reasoning faster.
Try a Q-Bank with filterable SATA-only categories to strengthen this specific skill set.
📘 Also see: Top 50 Nursing Terms for the NCLEX
🔎 Example SATA Questions with Rationales
Example 1: Pneumonia
A nurse is caring for a client with pneumonia. Which of the following interventions are appropriate? (Select all that apply):
- A. Encourage fluid intake ✅
- B. Maintain client in supine position ❌
- C. Administer oxygen as prescribed ✅
- D. Limit ambulation ❌
- E. Encourage coughing and deep breathing ✅
Rationale:
Fluids help thin secretions, oxygen supports impaired gas exchange, and coughing helps clear lungs. Supine increases aspiration risk. Limiting ambulation is incorrect—early mobility is encouraged.
Example 2: Hypocalcemia
Which findings are signs of hypocalcemia? (Select all that apply):
- A. Chvostek’s sign ✅
- B. Trousseau’s sign ✅
- C. Muscle weakness ❌
- D. Paresthesia ✅
- E. Constipation ❌
Rationale:
Hypocalcemia causes neuromuscular excitability, not depression. Muscle twitching, not weakness, is expected.
😬 Common Mistakes Students Make with SATA
- Choosing based on what “feels” right – Always ground your answer in clinical fact.
- Trying to find patterns – Just because 3 answers were right before doesn’t mean only 2 will be right this time.
- Not reading the stem carefully – Sometimes a SATA is asking for interventions, other times symptoms, or assessment priorities.
📌 Final Tips for Crushing SATA Questions
- Practice at least 10–15 SATA questions per day in your final study weeks
- Focus on safety-first interventions and ABCs
- Review practice tests by rationale, not just right/wrong
- Don’t panic if all 5 options are correct or only one is — both are valid!
📘 Bonus: How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX?
FAQ
How many SATA questions are on the NCLEX?
There's no fixed number. You may get 0 or up to 20+. It varies per student.
Do you get partial credit for SATA questions?
No. The new NCLEX scoring may allow for partial credit in some cases, but assume you need all correct.
Are SATA questions harder than regular ones?
They’re not necessarily harder, but they test clinical judgment and your ability to think beyond memorization.
Should I guess on SATA questions?
If you’re unsure, yes—but only after eliminating clear wrongs and thinking through each remaining choice carefully.
🚀 Keep Going — You’ve Got This
Understanding and mastering SATA questions is a key part of NCLEX success. These questions test not only your knowledge but also your ability to prioritize and apply what you’ve learned.
Stay focused, practice deliberately, and review your rationales often. And remember, GoodNurse is here to support your journey every step of the way.
Good luck—you’re closer than you think. 💪
