A 58-year-old patient with known alcoholic cirrhosis presents to the emergency department with profuse hematemesis. Initial assessment shows hypotension and tachycardia. After securing the airway and obtaining intravenous access, which pharmacologic intervention should be initiated first for suspected variceal bleeding?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
Octreotide is a somatostatin analog that reduces splanchnic blood flow and portal pressure, effectively controlling variceal bleeding. It is a critical initial pharmacologic step along with fluid resuscitation and prophylactic antibiotics.