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A medical assistant is obtaining vital signs on a healthy 30-year-old patient at rest. Which respiratory rate falls within the normal adult range?
- A16 breaths/min
- B32 breaths/min
- C8 breaths/min
- D26 breaths/min
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 16 breaths/min
The normal resting respiratory rate for an adult is 12–20 breaths per minute, so 16 breaths/min is within normal limits. Rates below 12 (bradypnea) or above 20 (tachypnea) are abnormal.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 32 breaths/min is markedly tachypneic and abnormal.
- C. 8 breaths/min is bradypnea, below normal range.
- D. 26 breaths/min is tachypnea, above normal.
Normal Adult Respiratory Rate
The expected resting breathing rate for a healthy adult, used as a baseline vital sign.
- Normal range: 12–20 breaths/min
- Below 12 = bradypnea
- Above 20 = tachypnea
Memory trick: '12 to 20 keeps breathing serene.'