fix plot options multi->single select (spacetelescope#2505)

* previously the traitlets could get updated out of order - its more reliable here to just check the type rather than the switch itself

CHANGES.rst

@@ -81,6 +81,9 @@ Bug Fixes
 - Deleting a subset while actively editing it now deselects the subset tool,
   preventing the appearance of "ghost" subsets. [#2497]
 
+- Fixes a bug in plot options where switching from multi to single-select mode
+  failed to properly update the selection. [#2505]
+
 Cubeviz
 ^^^^^^^
 

jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py

@@ -571,7 +571,9 @@ def _update_stretch_histogram(self, msg={}):
             for attr in ('x_min', 'x_max', 'y_min', 'y_max'):
                 vs.add_callback(attr, self._update_stretch_histogram)
         if isinstance(msg, dict) and msg.get('name') == 'viewer_selected':
-            viewer_label_old = msg.get('old')[0] if self.multiselect else msg.get('old')
+            viewer_label_old = msg.get('old')
+            if isinstance(viewer_label_old, list):
+                viewer_label_old = viewer_label_old[0]
             if len(viewer_label_old):
                 vs_old = self.app.get_viewer(viewer_label_old).state
                 for attr in ('x_min', 'x_max', 'y_min', 'y_max'):