Final answer:
In compensated metabolic acidosis, lab values typically show a decreased pH and decreased HCO3-. Respiratory compensation leads to a decrease in pCO2, which can bring the pH towards normal levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The usual lab value changes associated with compensated metabolic acidosis include a decreased pH, and decreased HCO3-. In this state of metabolic acidosis, the body attempts to compensate by the respiratory system increasing the removal of CO2, leading to a decreased pCO2. The decreased level of bicarbonate (HCO3-) reflects the underlying metabolic acidosis. However, because of the compensatory respiratory response, the pH may be near normal due to the reduction in pCO2.