Final answer:
The first action when a patient with diabetes shows symptoms of low blood sugar is to check their blood glucose level. Administering insulin without checking can be dangerous, and giving food or calling for medical services depends on the glucose level.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient with a known history of diabetes is displaying symptoms of diaphoresis, cool skin, lethargy, and shakiness, your first action should be to check the patient's blood glucose level. These symptoms may indicate hypoglycemia, a condition of low blood sugar. This can be a medical emergency, and it's crucial to assess blood glucose levels promptly to determine the appropriate intervention. If the blood sugar is low, the next step would usually be to give the patient something to eat or drink if they are conscious and able to swallow; this would help raise their blood sugar back to a safe level.
Administering insulin without checking the blood glucose levels could be dangerous if the patient is actually hypoglycemic, as insulin would lower their blood sugar even further. It is important not to provide medications or food until the actual blood glucose level is known. Calling emergency services might be necessary if the patient's condition is severe or if they don't respond to initial treatments to correct their blood sugar level.