Which symptom might indicate a possible lithium overdose in a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder?

Gross hand tremors are a classic symptom that can indicate a potential lithium overdose, particularly for individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, but it has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small.

When a patient experiences gross hand tremors, it suggests that lithium levels may be too high in their system. This symptom typically occurs early in the onset of toxicity and is often accompanied by other signs such as gastrointestinal distress, sedation, or confusion. Monitoring for tremors is essential in patients on lithium as it can help identify the need for dose adjustments or further medical evaluation to prevent more severe complications associated with lithium toxicity.

The other options do not align with symptoms indicating lithium overdose. Increased sleeping patterns and improved social interactions could be side effects of the medication that do not specifically signal overdose. Decreased appetite may not be directly linked either, as it can result from various factors unrelated to lithium toxicity. Thus, gross hand tremors are the key indicator of possible overdose in this context.