A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is taking lithium. The client reports blurred vision and ataxia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Blurred vision and ataxia are signs of lithium toxicity. The nurse should immediately withhold the medication to prevent further accumulation and worsening of toxicity. Lithium toxicity can progress to severe neurological impairment, seizures, and even death if not addressed promptly. Withholding the medication is the safest and most appropriate action. Choice B reason: Administering the next dose as prescribed would worsen the client’s condition because lithium toxicity is already present. Continuing the medication could lead to life-threatening complications. Choice C reason: Propranolol is sometimes used to manage tremors associated with lithium therapy, but it does not treat toxicity. Administering propranolol would not address the underlying problem of lithium overdose. Choice D reason: Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, which can occur as a long-term side effect of lithium. However, hypothyroidism does not present with acute symptoms such as blurred vision and ataxia. This intervention is not appropriate in this acute scenario.