Final answer:
Vasopressin works in ACLS by causing vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure and by activating aquaporin channels in the kidneys to enhance water reabsorption and restore vascular volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
How does Vasopressin Work in ACLS
Vasopressin is a hormone that plays a critical role in the body's response to low blood volume and low blood pressure, a scenario that is common during cardiac arrest situations which are managed through Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). When blood volume drops by 5-10 percent, leading to a decrease in blood pressure, vasopressin is released from the posterior pituitary gland. This hormone initiates vasoconstriction to immediately help increase blood pressure. Additionally, vasopressin activates aquaporin channels in the kidney's collecting ducts, which enhances the reabsorption of water, aiding in restoring the vascular volume.
Moreover, the vasopressin-induced vasoconstriction is beneficial during ACLS because it increases systemic vascular resistance, which helps to elevate the blood pressure and improve perfusion to vital organs. This is crucial during life-threatening situations, like hemorrhaging, where it simultaneously acts as a vasoconstrictor and promotes water retention to support blood pressure and volume.