Final answer:
Blood gas results for a mild to moderate asthmatic episode may show acidosis, respiratory acidosis, and metabolic compensation through increased HCO3 levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lab tests for pH, CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), and HCO3 can identify acidosis and alkalosis, indicating whether the imbalance is respiratory or metabolic, and the extent to which compensatory mechanisms are working. In the case of a mild to moderate asthmatic episode, the blood gas results may show a decreased pH (acidosis), an increased pCO2 (respiratory acidosis), and an increased total HCO3 (metabolic compensation). The elevated pCO2 and total HCO3 levels in the blood may indicate that the respiratory system is attempting to compensate for the asthmatic episode.