What is the immediate action the nurse should take for a patient found unconscious in a burning house with bright red skin color?

The immediate action of placing the patient on 100% oxygen using a non-rebreather mask is critical in this scenario due to the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur in a burning environment. The bright red skin color can indicate carbon monoxide presence in the bloodstream, as this gas combines with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, leading to tissue hypoxia. Administering oxygen enhances the elimination of carbon monoxide from the blood and helps to restore normal oxygen delivery to tissues.

Prioritizing oxygen administration is essential in unconscious patients who have potentially inhaled smoke or toxic gases in a fire, as the rapid intervention can prevent further neurological damage and support better outcomes during resuscitation. The use of a non-rebreather mask ensures that the patient receives a high concentration of oxygen, maximizing the potential for recovery from hypoxic conditions. Other interventions such as checking orientation or assessing for singed nasal hair are important but would not take precedence over securing the airway and providing immediate oxygen therapy in this critical situation.