What finding should a nurse expect in a client with a full thickness burn in the emergent phase?

In the emergent phase of a full thickness burn, one of the notable findings is hypothermia. This occurs because the skin, which serves as a primary barrier for temperature regulation, is compromised. Without the protective layer of skin, the body's ability to maintain normal temperature is severely impaired, leading to excessive heat loss.

Full thickness burns destroy epidermal and dermal layers, disrupting the body's thermal regulation mechanisms. As a result, patients are at a higher risk of becoming hypothermic, especially in the early stages following the injury. Maintaining normothermia becomes a critical focus in the management of these patients to prevent significant complications associated with hypothermia.

While hypercalcemia, hypoglycemia, and hyponatremia can occur in various clinical scenarios, they are not typically direct findings associated with the emergent phase of a full thickness burn. Hypocalcemia can sometimes be observed due to changes in metabolism and fluid shifts, but it is not as prominent as hypothermia.