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Normal adult respiratory rate
Nursing · exam-style practice question with explanation
What is the normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult?
- A. 6–10 breaths per minute
- B. 12–20 breaths per minute
- C. 24–30 breaths per minute
- D. 30–40 breaths per minute
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. 12–20 breaths per minute
A normal adult breathes about 12–20 times a minute at rest. A rate above 20 (tachypnoea) is an early warning sign of deterioration, for example from sepsis or respiratory failure, and is part of early warning scores.
Key point: Adult respiratory rate: 12–20 per minute.
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