Final answer:
The nurse explaining each step during a dressing change for a burn client is acting as an educator, focusing on patient education to improve outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the 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 primarily in the role of an educator. This is because by providing an explanation of each step during the dressing change, the nurse is engaged in patient education which is a fundamental aspect of nursing care aimed at improving patient outcomes by informing and teaching them about their health, care procedures, and how to manage their medical conditions.