A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has sustained a full-thickness burn and is in the emergent phase of the burn. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is D: Hyperkalemia. During the emergent phase of a full-thickness burn, the damaged cells release potassium into the bloodstream, leading to hyperkalemia. This occurs due to cell destruction and the breakdown of muscle tissue. Hypernatremia (choice A) is unlikely as sodium levels typically remain within normal limits initially. Hypercalcemia (choice B) and hypermagnesemia (choice C) are not expected in the emergent phase of burn injury. In summary, hyperkalemia is the most likely electrolyte imbalance to occur in the emergent phase of a full-thickness burn.