Final answer:
In a patient with advanced emphysema, one would expect to see respiratory acidosis characterized by increased pCO2 and compensatory metabolic alkalosis with increased bicarbonate ion levels. The serum pH may range from normal to slightly acidotic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to the expected arterial blood gas values in a patient with advanced emphysema. Advanced emphysema typically leads to respiratory acidosis due to impaired gas exchange resulting in increased carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. Hence, the arterial blood gas would likely show an increased pCO2, and to compensate over time, the kidneys would increase bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in an effort to neutralize the acid, which would lead to compensatory metabolic alkalosis. As the body attempts to maintain homeostasis, the serum pH may normalize or remain slightly decreased. Therefore, we would expect to see increased pCO2, increased HCO3-, and a serum pH that could be either normal or slightly acidotic but is less likely to be alkalotic due to the primary respiratory disturbance caused by emphysema.