After 8 hours of admission, a patient with extensive burns shows agitation. What should the nurse do first?

In the scenario presented, the nurse's priority should be to ensure the patient’s safety and physiological stability. When a patient with extensive burns exhibits agitation, it is essential to first assess their oxygenation status. The development of agitation in burn patients can often signal inadequate oxygenation, pain, or anxiety related to their condition. Checking oxygen saturation with pulse oximetry allows the nurse to assess whether the patient is experiencing any respiratory distress or hypoxia, which could contribute to their agitation.

By utilizing pulse oximetry, the nurse can gather critical data to determine the next steps in management. If oxygen saturation is low, supplemental oxygen may be required. If it is within normal range, the nurse can then consider other factors such as pain management or psychological support.

In this context, ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence over administration of medications for pain relief, focusing on physiological assessment before addressing possible pain or anxiety-related issues.