NCLEX-PN Question Type

Select All That Apply (SATA) Questions

Select All That Apply (SATA) questions on the NCLEX-PN are a unique question type that requires the test-taker to identify all the correct answers from a list of options. Unlike multiple-choice questions, where only one answer is correct, SATA questions can have multiple correct answers. These questions are designed to assess the test-taker's ability to apply critical thinking and decision-making skills, as they must carefully evaluate each option and determine which ones are accurate based on the information provided in the question stem.

Practice Select All That Apply (SATA) Questions

How to Identify Select All That Apply (SATA) Questions

The question stem will explicitly state 'Select all that apply' or 'Select all correct answers'.
The answer options will typically be presented as a list of statements, and the test-taker must choose all the options that are correct.
There may be 2 or more correct answers out of the list of options provided.
The number of correct answers is not specified in the question stem.

Strategies for Select All That Apply (SATA) Questions

1Read the Question Stem Carefully

Ensure you fully understand the question being asked and the specific information or skills being tested. Pay close attention to any keywords or phrases that provide clues about the correct answers.

2Evaluate Each Option Independently

Don't assume that just because one option is correct, the others are as well. Carefully consider each option and determine if it is accurate or not, based on the information provided in the question stem.

3Eliminate Incorrect Answers

As you evaluate each option, quickly eliminate any that are clearly incorrect. This can help you focus on the remaining options and make more informed decisions.

4Double-Check Your Answers

Once you have selected all the options you believe to be correct, go back and review your choices to ensure you haven't missed or misinterpreted any of the information.

5Understand the Rationale

If you answer the question incorrectly, make sure to review the rationale provided to understand why the correct answers were selected and how you can improve your approach for similar questions in the future.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Selecting too few or too many options, as the number of correct answers is not specified.
Misinterpreting the question stem or failing to fully understand the information being tested.
Overlooking important details or nuances in the options that differentiate the correct answers from the incorrect ones.
Rushing through the question and not carefully evaluating each option.

How to Practice

To effectively practice SATA questions for the NCLEX-PN, it's important to expose yourself to a variety of these questions across different nursing content areas. As you practice, focus on developing your critical thinking and decision-making skills, as well as your ability to carefully evaluate each option and determine its accuracy. Regularly reviewing the rationale for both correct and incorrect answers can also help you identify and address any knowledge gaps or areas for improvement.