Final answer:
A person with metabolic alkalosis would likely have elevated CO₂ content and elevated pH; CO₂ might increase as part of the body's compensatory mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person suspected of having metabolic alkalosis would likely exhibit laboratory findings of d. CO₂ content and pH elevated. In metabolic alkalosis, blood pH is higher than normal, and bicarbonate levels are also elevated. If the body has compensated for the metabolic alkalosis, one would expect the PCO₂ to have increased as the respiratory system slows down to preserve carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hence increase the level of carbonic acid, to balance the excess bicarbonate. However, the initial response would typically not lead to an increased PCO₂ unless the cause is mixed or compensation has occurred.
It's crucial to understand that during metabolic alkalosis, the respiratory system may attempt to compensate for the high pH by reducing breathing to increase CO₂ in the blood. This compensation is not immediate and may not be present in all cases, depending on the underlying cause and duration of the alkalosis.