Final answer:
The priority intervention for a client with a 10-year history of alcohol use disorder experiencing acute withdrawal is to implement seizure precautions to manage severe withdrawal symptoms and ensure patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client with a long history of alcohol use disorder is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal, the priority intervention is to ensure their safety. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to severe and life-threatening symptoms, such as seizures, agitation, and delirium tremens. Therefore, the correct answer to the priority intervention would be c. Implement seizure precautions. This immediate step is crucial in preventing potential injury and managing acute symptoms effectively.
While administering medications like naltrexone, attending support groups, and identifying triggers of alcohol use are significant in the recovery process, they are not the immediate concerns during acute withdrawal. Naltrexone may be used later to reduce cravings and manage dependence, support groups are crucial for long-term sobriety, and understanding triggers can prevent relapse. However, during acute withdrawal, the focus is on managing the immediate risks and symptoms associated with the cessation of alcohol use.
It is also essential to recognize that during the withdrawal phase, patients may exhibit symptoms opposite to the effects of their addiction, displaying arousal and agitation as opposed to the sedative effects of alcohol. Hence, quick and effective medical intervention is imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual.