Final answer:
For a patient with acute exacerbation of COPD and Activity Intolerance, a complete bed bath or towel bath is preferred to conserve energy and avoid exacerbating symptoms. A tub bath is less suitable due to the effort required, which could worsen the patient's breathing difficulties.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a nursing diagnosis of Activity Intolerance would generally be best suited to a bed bath option. This is because it requires the least amount of energy and effort on the part of the patient, who may already be struggling with shortness of breath and fatigue. Among the options provided, a complete bed bath or a towel bath in bed are preferred to a tub bath, which can be exhausting for a patient with COPD and may exacerbate breathing difficulties.
In the context provided, where the patient has refused to leave the bed for an extended period and infrequent changes of clothes contributed to a delay in discovering the extent of his condition, a complete bed bath would likely be the method of choice. With COPD, preserving energy and ensuring ease of breathing are paramount concerns.
From the list provided:
- Asthma is characterized by periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.
- Pneumonia leads to the inflamed alveoli filling with fluid.
- COPD involves chronic poor airflow and symptoms that include shortness of breath and a cough that produces phlegm.
- Lung cancer can cause a persistent cough, chest pain, and various other symptoms.
The progressive nature of COPD, where even simple activities such as walking upstairs become challenging due to shortness of breath, is a hallmark of the disease, indicating the need for tailored care such as the choice of bathing method.