1 Identify Question Type
Assessment (gather, review) Priority (first, immediate) Implementation (do, teach) Evaluation (outcome) Ordered (sequence, order)
2 Assessment Questions
CHOOSE THIS
Baseline data: patterns, trends, usual habits
"B-4 you treat, know the baseline"
3 Priority Questions - Stack of Four
1. Airway → Breathing → Circulation → Disability
2. Safety/Risk (PHYSICAL harm only: falls, infection, self-harm)
3. Maslow Physiological (pain, nutrition, fluids, sleep, temperature, elimination)
4. Nursing Process (assess before act)
↓ Psychosocial needs (anxiety, coping, emotional) come AFTER Stack #4 ↓
Single Answer: Stop at first match
SATA: Check ALL options, select all matches
6 Ordered Response Questions
Step 1: Identify ALL correct actions (like SATA)
Step 2: Arrange using Stack of Four priority
Step 3: ABCD → Safety → Maslow → Process
Different from SATA - you must sequence the actions!
4 Implementation Questions
Stable = Delegate ↔ Unstable = RN
Least → Most Invasive (position → meds → procedures)
Independent → Dependent (nursing actions → provider orders)
5 Evaluation Questions
Look for proof the goal was met: labs normal, symptoms resolved, client states understanding in own words
Question Format Guide
Multiple Choice (Pick ONE): Use Stack of Four, stop at first match, select that single best option.

SATA (Select ALL That Apply): Run EVERY option through criteria, select ALL matches, no ordering needed - just identify all correct actions.

Ordered Response (Drag & Drop): Two-step process - first identify all correct actions exactly like SATA, then arrange them by Stack of Four priority (life threats before comfort measures).
TIE-BREAKER RULES (Same Stack Level)
RULE #1: If assessment option exists about the tied items → ASSESSMENT WINS
Example: "Assess voiding patterns" beats "Address nutrition" when both are Stack #3

RULE #2: No assessment option? Use urgency levels:
Stack #3 Physiological Urgency (highest to lowest):
Use ONLY when multiple options are Stack #3
• Glucose/Diabetic needs (hours)
• Elimination problems (hours-days)*
• Pain (hours-days)
• Fluids/Hydration (days)
• Nutrition (days-weeks)
• Sleep (days-weeks)
• Temperature (varies: hypothermia = hours, comfort = days)
• Activity/Exercise (weeks)
Time Frame Key: How long body can tolerate the deficit
Remember: Acute changes beat chronic problems at same level
*Elimination with complications (retention, impaction) jumps to Stack #2
Note: Psychosocial needs (anxiety, coping, self-esteem) always come AFTER all Stack items
Rapid Filters
Baseline vs Change: Confirm change exists
Absolute Words: Always/never = caution
Duplicate Options: Both wrong
Umbrella Option: Covers all = winner
Client-Centered: "Encourage" beats tasks
First Instinct: Trust your gut
Common Maslow Questions: Nutrition, sleep, pain, elimination = Priority Stack #3