AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Resource to Ensure Exam Success!

The correct answer is that all mentioned conditions—hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart failure—can individually increase the risk for pressure ulcers in older adults.

Hypertension mainly contributes to pressure ulcers through its impact on blood circulation. Chronic hypertension can lead to vascular changes and reduced blood flow, which can impair the skin's ability to withstand pressure, particularly when combined with additional risk factors.

Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the risk of pressure ulcers due to several factors, including neuropathy, which can reduce sensation and awareness of pressure, as well as poor wound healing associated with glycemic control issues. Diabetic patients may have decreased blood flow and compromised skin integrity, making them more susceptible.

Heart failure can also be a contributing factor to pressure ulcer development. It often results in reduced cardiac output, leading to diminished perfusion of the skin and soft tissues. Additionally, patients with heart failure may have issues related to immobility, fluid retention, and malnutrition, all of which can exacerbate the risk of skin breakdown.

These interconnected factors highlight why older adults with any of these conditions are at an elevated risk for developing pressure ulcers, making the comprehensive choice of all of the above the most accurate.