Final answer:
The primary goal of involuntary hospitalization for severely mentally ill individuals is to protect the individual and others from harm, employing methods like administration of neuroleptic drugs to manage symptoms and ensure immediate safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority goal of involuntary hospitalization of the severely mentally ill client is C) Protection from harm to self or others. Involuntary hospitalization, also known as civil commitment, is primarily used when individuals with severe mental illness pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others and are unable to make reasoned decisions about their own care. Neuroleptic drugs are administered to such patients, which can help in reducing symptoms such as agitation, restlessness, and psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. These drugs make the patients less violent and more manageable, ensuring their safety as well as the safety of those around them. The ultimate aim during involuntary hospitalization is not merely to eliminate symptoms or re-orient to reality, but to ensure immediate safety and manage acute risks while laying the groundwork for ongoing treatment in a secure environment.