Final answer:
The nurse explaining each step of a dressing change to a burn client is acting in the role of an educator, which is part of providing comprehensive patient care under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is performing an extensive dressing change on a client with burns and explains each step as it is being performed, the nurse is acting in the role of an educator. This aspect of nursing involves informing the patient about the procedure, which can help to alleviate anxiety, provide understanding of the care being provided, and empower the patient with knowledge about their own health. While the nurse also serves as a caregiver and client advocate, the specific task of explaining each step of the treatment process falls under the educational role. Educational tasks in nursing, such as this, are aimed at enhancing patient care and outcomes by ensuring the patient has a clear understanding of the procedures and their purposes, which is a key component under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.