Which statement describes the normal adult respiratory rate range?

Which statement describes the normal adult respiratory rate range?

• A. 10 to 18
• B. 14 to 22
• C. 12 to 20
• D. 18 to 26

Answer: (C)

Normal adult at rest breaths about 12 to 20 times per minute. This range is the standard resting rate used in EMS to describe a healthy adult's breathing pattern. When you’re assessing, count the respirations for 30 seconds (watch the chest rise) and multiply by two if the rate is regular; if it’s irregular, count for a full minute to be accurate. Among common options, 12 to 20 fits the typical resting range exactly. Rates lower than that, like a lower bound of 10, suggest bradypnea. Rates higher than 20, especially upper values around 26, suggest tachypnea or increased work of breathing. The 14 to 22 range is close but includes values above the standard upper limit, while 18 to 26 is clearly above normal.

Normal adult at rest breaths about 12 to 20 times per minute. This range is the standard resting rate used in EMS to describe a healthy adult's breathing pattern. When you’re assessing, count the respirations for 30 seconds (watch the chest rise) and multiply by two if the rate is regular; if it’s irregular, count for a full minute to be accurate.

Among common options, 12 to 20 fits the typical resting range exactly. Rates lower than that, like a lower bound of 10, suggest bradypnea. Rates higher than 20, especially upper values around 26, suggest tachypnea or increased work of breathing. The 14 to 22 range is close but includes values above the standard upper limit, while 18 to 26 is clearly above normal.