A patient arrives at the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding that began 3 hours ago. What is the priority action?

Correct option is A

Assessing vital signs helps determine hemodynamic status and the severity of blood loss, guiding urgent interventions. Explanation of options:
· (a) ✔ First critical step to ensure stability.
· (b) ✘ Performed after stabilization.
· (c) ✘ History is taken after ruling out acute risk.
· (d) ✘ Physical assessment follows vital checks.