A hematologic adverse effect of vasopressin is thrombocytopenia due to what mechanism?

A hematologic adverse effect of vasopressin is thrombocytopenia due to what mechanism?

• A. Leukocytosis
• B. Anemia
• C. Platelet aggregation
• D. Thrombocytosis

Answer: (C)

Vasopressin can trigger platelet aggregation by activating receptors on platelets, which raises intracellular calcium and promotes cross-linking and clumping of platelets. As these platelets aggregate, they’re consumed from the circulating pool, leading to a lower platelet count — thrombocytopenia. The other options describe different hematologic changes (increased white cells, anemia, or increased platelets) and don’t account for platelet consumption due to aggregation.

Vasopressin can trigger platelet aggregation by activating receptors on platelets, which raises intracellular calcium and promotes cross-linking and clumping of platelets. As these platelets aggregate, they’re consumed from the circulating pool, leading to a lower platelet count — thrombocytopenia. The other options describe different hematologic changes (increased white cells, anemia, or increased platelets) and don’t account for platelet consumption due to aggregation.