Final answer:
The practitioner should prioritize the intoxicated client's safety by postponing the appointment and assisting the client in arranging a safe way home.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a client arrives for an appointment and is visibly intoxicated, the best course of action for the practitioner is to ensure the client's safety and welfare above all else. The practitioner should politely explain that due to their current state (intoxication), it would not be professional or ethical to proceed with the appointment. Depending on the service and the situation, they might suggest rescheduling the appointment for a later time when the client is sober. Additionally, the practitioner should consider the client's mode of transportation, and if necessary, offer assistance in arranging for a safe trip home - whether by calling a cab, a ride-share service, or a friend or family member to pick them up.