Presentation
A 58-year-old man with alcohol-related cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B) presents after vomiting bright red blood twice at home and passing a black tarry stool this morning. He has a history of ascites and known esophageal varices seen on prior endoscopy. He appears pale and diaphoretic.
Initial observations
- T 36.8°C
- HR 118
- BP 92/58
- RR 20
- SpO2 97% on room air
After placing the patient on the monitor, what is the most important immediate priority?