Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

In a patient with suspected bleeding esophageal varices, as indicated by hematemesis and a history of cirrhosis, the priority intervention is volume resuscitation to maintain hemodynamic stability. This is typically initiated with the administration of IV crystalloid fluids. Endotracheal intubation may be necessary if the airway is at risk, but it is not the first immediate intervention. The administration of beta-blockers is a long-term management strategy for esophageal varices to reduce the risk of bleeding, not an acute intervention. While proton pump inhibitors may be used in gastrointestinal bleeding, they are not the primary treatment for bleeding esophageal varices.