[Infographic: 3-Step SATA Strategy — Evaluate Independently, No Patterns, Partial Is Wrong]
The Golden Rules for SATA Questions
- Evaluate each option independently — do not look for patterns or assume a minimum number of correct answers
- Never select an option you are unsure about — traditional SATA (not NGN extended multiple response) is all-or-nothing. One wrong choice = zero points
- Read for “safe” options — the NCLEX will include options that are almost right but contain one unsafe element. These are traps.
- NGN extended multiple response is different — partial credit applies. Here, when in doubt, include the option.
SATA Practice Questions
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with hypertension prescribed hydrochlorothiazide. Which instruction is MOST important to teach about orthostatic hypotension?
✓ Correct: Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions
Correct answers: Rise slowly (A) and Report dizziness (D). Orthostatic hypotension is a key side effect of diuretics; rising slowly prevents falls. Dizziness/lightheadedness are signs of excessive fluid loss requiring provider notification. HCTZ causes potassium LOSS, so clients should INCREASE potassium-rich foods (not avoid them) — option C is WRONG. Diuretics should be taken in the morning to avoid nocturia — option E is WRONG. Always clarify: HCTZ depletes potassium, so option C contains a critical safety error.
Correct answers: Rise slowly (A) and Report dizziness (D). Orthostatic hypotension is a key side effect of diuretics; rising slowly prevents falls. Dizziness/lightheadedness are signs of excessive fluid loss requiring provider notification. HCTZ causes potassium LOSS, so clients should INCREASE potassium-rich foods (not avoid them) — option C is WRONG. Diuretics should be taken in the morning to avoid nocturia — option E is WRONG. Always clarify: HCTZ depletes potassium, so option C contains a critical safety error.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client with DVT of the left leg. Which finding is MOST consistent with this diagnosis?
✓ Correct: Unilateral warmth, redness and oedema of the left calf
Correct: Warmth and redness (A), positive Homans sign (B, though note: Homans has low sensitivity/specificity but still tested), and unilateral oedema (D). DVT presents with WARMTH, REDNESS, SWELLING, and PAIN — these are inflammatory signs. Absence of pulses and pallor/coolness describe ARTERIAL occlusion (not DVT), which is a different emergency. Knowing the distinction between arterial and venous occlusion is high-yield for NCLEX.
Correct: Warmth and redness (A), positive Homans sign (B, though note: Homans has low sensitivity/specificity but still tested), and unilateral oedema (D). DVT presents with WARMTH, REDNESS, SWELLING, and PAIN — these are inflammatory signs. Absence of pulses and pallor/coolness describe ARTERIAL occlusion (not DVT), which is a different emergency. Knowing the distinction between arterial and venous occlusion is high-yield for NCLEX.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client newly prescribed warfarin. Which instruction is MOST important for bleeding prevention?
✓ Correct: Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor to prevent injury
Correct: Use soft toothbrush/electric razor (B), report unusual bleeding (C), and wear medical alert (E). Vitamin K-rich foods do NOT need to be avoided — clients should maintain a CONSISTENT intake of vitamin K-rich foods (sudden increases or decreases alter INR). This makes option A incorrect. Antacids do not reduce GI upset from warfarin in a meaningful way, and some antacids interact with anticoagulants — option D is incorrect.
Correct: Use soft toothbrush/electric razor (B), report unusual bleeding (C), and wear medical alert (E). Vitamin K-rich foods do NOT need to be avoided — clients should maintain a CONSISTENT intake of vitamin K-rich foods (sudden increases or decreases alter INR). This makes option A incorrect. Antacids do not reduce GI upset from warfarin in a meaningful way, and some antacids interact with anticoagulants — option D is incorrect.
Access All 30 SATA Practice Questions
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SATA Strategy Review
The key differentiator in SATA: every wrong answer costs you the entire question (traditional format). This is why evaluating each option independently — treating it as a true/false statement — is the only reliable strategy.
Related: Clinical Judgment Framework • NGN Extended Multiple Response