A 56-year-old client with end-stage liver cirrhosis and know…
A 56-year-old client with end-stage liver cirrhosis and known esophageal varices is admitted to the medical unit for worsening abdominal ascites. Thirty minutes after arrival, the client suddenly vomits a large volume of bright red blood (estimated 500 mL) and reports dizziness. Immediate assessment: BP: 88/54 mm Hg (baseline 118/72) HR: 128 bpm RR: 26, shallow SpO₂: 92% on room air Skin: pale, cool, diaphoretic Mental status: alert but anxious; drowsy on direct questioning Active bleeding from the mouth; blood pooling in the oropharynx Bloody emesis continues What is the nurse’s priority action?