What is the normal respiration rate?

• A. 10 to 14
• B. 12 to 20
• C. 8 to 12
• D. 14 to 22

Answer: (B)

Normal respiration rate for an adult at rest is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range is what clinicians consider the typical baseline; rates lower than 12 or higher than 20 may indicate bradypnea or tachypnea, respectively, and could signal an issue that needs attention. To measure it accurately, watch the chest or abdomen rise and fall for a full minute and count each breath. Some situations use 30 seconds and multiply by two, but a full minute gives the most reliable count, especially if the rhythm is irregular. Keep in mind that factors like activity, fever, anxiety, pain, medications, or certain medical conditions can temporarily raise or lower the rate. The range 12 to 20 best matches the expected normal resting rate.