Final answer:
In a case of pulmonary embolus, one could expect to find decreased Po2, potential respiratory alkalosis with a higher pH and decreased pCO2 levels, and normal to increased bicarbonate levels as compensation. These changes are indicative of the body's responses to impaired oxygenation and gas exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pulmonary embolus can significantly alter blood gas levels due to impaired pulmonary function. Hypoxemia, which is a lower-than-normal level of oxygen in the blood, is a common finding in patients with a pulmonary embolism. As a result, one would expect to find a decreased partial pressure of oxygen (Po2) in arterial blood gases (ABGs). Along with hypoxemia, a pulmonary embolus may lead to respiratory alkalosis initially, as the body tries to compensate for the hypoxemia by hyperventilating, which decreases the carbon dioxide (pCO2) levels in the blood. This hyperventilation in response to hypoxemia will cause an initial drop in pCO2 and an increase in pH (above 7.45). Over time, the body may try to compensate further, leading to metabolic changes such as increased bicarbonate levels. A patient with a pulmonary embolism may show arterial blood gases with a pH > 7.45, a pCO2 < male: 35 mm Hg/female: 32 mm Hg, and normal to increased bicarbonate levels as compensation occurs. Additionally, venous Po2 would be decreased from the expected 100 mm Hg reference value, highlighting the compromised oxygenation in the patient's blood.