A diabetic patient was found lying in bed lethargic and sweating profusely. What action would you perform first?

In this scenario, checking the blood sugar is the most critical first action to take. The patient is exhibiting signs of possible hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level that can lead to lethargy, sweating, confusion, and potentially loss of consciousness or seizures. By checking the blood sugar, you can confirm whether this is the case and determine the appropriate intervention.

If the blood sugar reading indicates that the patient is indeed hypoglycemic, immediate steps such as administering glucose or another quick-acting carbohydrate could be necessary to stabilize the patient. Conversely, if the blood sugar is elevated, then insulin may be indicated, but this can only be determined after assessment.

Activating the emergency response or turning the patient to their side are actions that may be necessary depending on the situation, but they do not address the immediate need to assess the patient's blood glucose level. Immediate assessment is crucial to guide the correct and timely intervention in a diabetic emergency.