Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What is the normal range for resting respirations in adults?

1. 10-15 breaths per minute

2. 12-20 breaths per minute

3. 15-25 breaths per minute

4. 20-30 breaths per minute

The correct answer is: 12-20 breaths per minute

The normal range for resting respirations in adults is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. This range indicates the number of breaths an adult takes while at rest and provides a baseline for assessing respiratory health. Respiratory rates outside of this range may signal underlying health issues or respiratory distress; for example, rates below 12 may indicate bradypnea, while rates above 20 can indicate tachypnea. In clinical practice, understanding the normal respiratory rate is essential for monitoring patients, especially those with conditions that may affect their breathing, such as respiratory illnesses or heart disease. This range is well-documented in medical literature and represents the average observed in a healthy adult population at rest.