Which of the following factors can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers?

The correct choice highlights that all listed factors—antidepressants, sleeping pills, immunosuppressant medications, chemotherapy, steroid therapy, and radiation therapy—can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers.

Each of these medication classes influences the body’s health in ways that can increase susceptibility to skin breakdown and impaired healing. For instance, antidepressants and sleeping pills may lead to decreased mobility or altered mental status, which can hinder an individual's ability to shift positions and relieve pressure on specific body areas, thereby increasing the risk of pressure ulcers.

Immunosuppressant medications and chemotherapy can weaken the immune system and impair tissue repair, making skin more vulnerable to damage. Steroid therapy can thin the skin and reduce its ability to heal, while also potentially affecting fluid retention and circulation, further exacerbating the risk of ulceration. Radiation therapy can lead to skin irritation and damage, increasing the likelihood of pressure ulcers developing in irradiated areas.

Understanding the interactions of these factors with skin health is essential in gerontological nutrition, as effective assessment and intervention strategies can help mitigate the risk for vulnerable elderly populations. Therefore, acknowledging that all of these medications can increase the risk for pressure ulcers, the choice encompassing all these factors is the most comprehensive and accurate.