NCLEX has increasing quantity of alternative format questions, but the one that is challenging for most candidates is the dreaded: “Select All That Apply” format of questions. The main frustration is that the test candidate does not get credit for the entire question if not all the possible right answers are selected, or adding an option that is not accurate. So here are some tried and true strategies that candidates have used and worked.
Content is King: “Select all that Apply” (SATA) format questions are very much like a “T & F” quiz you may have taken during nursing school. Unfortunately, there is no short cut to preparing for the SATA questions, a candidate just has to haveenough content. SATA questions reflect quantity and quality (precision) of your knowledge. NCSBN item development writers love adding SATA questions to the NCLEX test bank; primarily, because in one question, a comprehensive evaluation of how well the candidate knows the topic can be tested. lected, or adding an option that is not accurate. So here are some tried and true strategies that candidates have used and worked.
- Extract Topic & Stem: Spend the time to 1st understand what the question is asking by identifying topic & stem (what about the topic does the NCLEX want you to illustrate). I train my candidates to actually spend more time looking and processing the question than looking over the options. This is important so you have a clear goal in mind before you proceed with comparing each options against your goal.
- Attack One-by-One: SATA questions is a “true or false,” “yes or no” type of question; thus, you proceed by comparing the options with your formulated topic & stem one at a time. Go straight down the list, and respond with “yes” or “no,” “applies,” or “doesn’t apply.” Pay attention to every detail of the option like frequency (qd, bid, q4 hrs., q2hrs., q shift, etc.; length of time (2-3 days, 4-6 months); and absolutes or extremes (at all times, complete restriction). If you cannot recall the information and/or it does not make sense, it’s probably wrong.
- No Take Backs: Do not overthink and go back to change your answer. SATA questions are typically not application or analysis level questions so usually it does not need you to factor in anything and modify your response. Unless there is something obvious you overlooked (oops, they were looking for negative responses, like “what is wrong,” vs. “what is right”), do not go back and change the answer. At this point you either know the fact or data or not; no amount of marinating on the question will bring the answer forward, if you know what I mean.
- Prepare Mentally: Anticipate 10-20 SATA questions during the NCLEX. Knowing what is ahead makes all the difference in minimizing your anxiety as they approach you.
- Practice, practice, practice!: All of these tips will not work if you do not make it a habit to do so; so take those exams, especially the ones that have a lot of SATA questions. Confront your fear head on!
