An adult at rest should have a respiratory rate that ranges between:

An adult at rest should have a respiratory rate that ranges between:

• A. 8 and 12
• B. 12 and 20
• C. 20 and 30
• D. 14 and 22

Answer: (B)

Normal resting adult breathing rate is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects typical ventilatory control when the body isn’t exercising or stressed. Rates within this window usually indicate adequate ventilation for resting metabolic needs. If the rate stays above 20 breaths per minute at rest, it’s tachypnea and can be a sign of fever, anxiety, hypoxemia, pain, or metabolic disturbances. If the rate stays below 12, it’s bradypnea and can point to central depressants, head injury, or other neurologic issues. The other ranges miss the standard resting window or include values that are not normal for a calm, relaxed state.

Normal resting adult breathing rate is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects typical ventilatory control when the body isn’t exercising or stressed. Rates within this window usually indicate adequate ventilation for resting metabolic needs. If the rate stays above 20 breaths per minute at rest, it’s tachypnea and can be a sign of fever, anxiety, hypoxemia, pain, or metabolic disturbances. If the rate stays below 12, it’s bradypnea and can point to central depressants, head injury, or other neurologic issues. The other ranges miss the standard resting window or include values that are not normal for a calm, relaxed state.