What should be done if a patient on lithium experiences symptoms of nausea and fine hand tremors?

In the context of a patient on lithium therapy who presents with symptoms such as nausea and fine hand tremors, decreasing the dose of the medication is the appropriate response. These symptoms can be indicative of lithium toxicity, which may occur when lithium levels become elevated in the body. By reducing the dose, the healthcare provider aims to lower the serum lithium concentration, thereby alleviating symptoms and preventing potential complications related to toxicity.

Monitoring the patient's symptoms and lithium levels closely after the dose adjustment is essential to ensure safety and efficacy. Other options such as increasing the dose, abruptly stopping the medication, or switching to a different medication would not address the immediate concern of potential toxicity associated with elevated lithium levels and could exacerbate the patient's condition or lead to other complications.