Final answer:
In the emergent phase of burn injury, an elevated hematocrit level is expected due to the plasma loss, while signs such as increased urinary output are not typical in this phase. The body experiences a fluid shift that concentrates red blood cells, leading to a higher hematocrit level.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the resuscitation/emergent phase of a burn injury, a patient is likely to experience a variety of symptoms due to the body's response to the trauma of burns. One of the expected findings would be an elevated hematocrit level. This occurs because the burn injury can lead to a loss of plasma from the circulatory system, which causes the remaining blood to have a higher concentration of red blood cells, thus increasing the hematocrit. It is important to note that the patient will not present with a decreased heart rate or increased urinary output as these are not typical signs during this phase.
Patients with burn injuries may also develop circulatory shock, especially with extensive burns, leading to tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypotension (decreased blood pressure). The body tries to compensate for fluid loss by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate to maintain blood flow to vital organs. A decrease in urine output is concerning as it indicates that the kidneys are receiving less blood flow, which can be a consequence of the fluid losses and shock.