What physical examination finding is common in a patient with a severe burn?

In the context of a severe burn, piloerection, or the "goosebumps" response, can occur in areas that are still innervated but not severely damaged. This autonomic reflex is due to the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which can happen in response to pain or trauma, including that from severe burns. Although burns cause significant skin damage and alterations in normal sensory processing, areas of the body that are indirectly affected can still respond with piloerection.

This physical finding reflects the autonomic nervous system's response to the stress of such a severe injury. The presence of piloerection might not be as prevalent in severely burned areas themselves, but it can be observed in intact areas as the body attempts to respond to the stress and trauma of burns.

The other physical findings listed may not necessarily be characteristic of severe burns. Dry skin could be a result of damaged skin integrity, but it is not as directly associated with the acute phase of burn injury compared to piloerection. Hyperhidrosis and tremors are not typical findings in this setting and do not reflect the body's physiological response to thermal injury in the way piloerection does.