NCLEX select all that apply (multiple response) questions
A select-all-that-apply item asks a question and lists several options; one or more of them are correct. You mark every option you think is right. NCSBN scores it plus/minus: each correct option you mark earns a point, each incorrect one takes a point away, and the score never drops below zero.
Sources: NCSBN, Leader to Leader, Spring 2022 (PDF); NCLEX.com, Frequently Asked Questions; NCSBN, 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan (PDF); NCLEX.com, Prepare (tutorial and sample items). Checked against NCSBN as of October 29, 2026.
What it looks like
NCSBN calls this a multiple response item. The words "Select all that apply" in the question tell you that one or more of the options will be a correct answer.
Longer versions are called extended multiple response, one of the formats NCSBN built for the Next Generation NCLEX.
How to work one
- Treat each option as a true-or-false statement about this client.
- Mark every option you can defend, and only those. A guess you cannot defend can cost a point.
- If the question asks for a set number ("select 3"), choose exactly that many.
How it is scored
NCSBN gives partial credit on items that have more than one correct answer, under three rules, and ties each rule to what the instructions ask you to do. Its current pages do not publish a format-by-format table, so read the instructions on each item.
Plus/minus (+/-)
NCSBN uses it when you may select an unspecified number of options. You earn a point for each correct option you select and lose a point for each incorrect one. The most you can earn is the number of correct options; the lowest score is zero.
"Select all that apply" lets you choose an unspecified number of options, so it is the plus/minus case.
Zero/one (0/1)
NCSBN uses it when you are told to choose a specific number of responses. You earn a point for each correct response and nothing for an incorrect one. On an item worth several points, the item score is the sum of the correct responses.
When the item tells you how many to select, it is the zero/one case instead: correct picks earn points and incorrect ones simply earn nothing.
The example below has three correct options, so it is worth up to 3 points.
Sources: NCSBN, Leader to Leader, Spring 2022 (PDF); NCLEX.com, Frequently Asked Questions; NCSBN, 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan (PDF); NCLEX.com, Prepare (tutorial and sample items). Checked against NCSBN as of October 29, 2026.
Example
A practice item from our own NCLEX-RN practice exams, written to the published test plan. It is not a real NCLEX question. Try it before you open the answer.
Which actions preserve a client’s dignity during a complete bed bath? Select all that apply.
- Explain the care and invite the client to participate
- Keep the door or curtain closed
- Expose the entire body to work more quickly
- Drape areas not being washed
- Discuss another client’s condition with the UAP during care
Show the answer and rationale
- Explain the care and invite the client to participate
- Keep the door or curtain closed
- Drape areas not being washed
Dignity is protected through explanation, choice, physical privacy, draping, and respectful communication. Unnecessary exposure and discussion of an unrelated client violate privacy.
The other formats
Practice the formats
Try NCLEX-style questions in these formats, with a rationale for every answer.
NCLEX®, NCLEX-RN® and NCLEX-PN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN®). RN PocketPal is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NCSBN. This page summarizes what NCSBN publishes, for study; NCSBN’s own documents are the authority.