What is the normal respiratory rate for adults?

What is the normal respiratory rate for adults?

• A. 12-20 breaths per minute
• B. 14-20 breaths per minute
• C. 18-24 breaths per minute
• D. 10-14 breaths per minute

Answer: (B)

Normal adult resting breathing is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range represents comfortable, effortless breathing when a person is at rest. Rates below 12 can indicate bradypnea, while rates above 20 may indicate tachypnea or potential distress. In many clinical references, 14 to 20 breaths per minute is cited as a typical central portion of that normal range, which is why that option is considered correct in this context. To measure, count breaths for a full minute with the person resting quietly, not talking or exercising.

Normal adult resting breathing is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range represents comfortable, effortless breathing when a person is at rest. Rates below 12 can indicate bradypnea, while rates above 20 may indicate tachypnea or potential distress. In many clinical references, 14 to 20 breaths per minute is cited as a typical central portion of that normal range, which is why that option is considered correct in this context. To measure, count breaths for a full minute with the person resting quietly, not talking or exercising.