What is the expected normal respiratory rate range for an adult?

• A. 8-12 breaths per minute
• B. 12-20 breaths per minute
• C. 20-24 breaths per minute
• D. 24-28 breaths per minute

Answer: (B)

Understanding normal resting breathing rate in adults helps you spot when breathing is outside the expected range. For a healthy adult, the typical resting respiratory rate is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. That’s why the 12–20 range is the best fit. Rates slower than this, such as 8–12 breaths per minute, are considered bradypnea and can occur with certain medications, brain injury, or metabolic issues. Rates higher than this, especially 20 breaths per minute and above, may indicate tachypnea and can be seen with fever, anxiety, lung disease, or insufficient oxygenation. In practice, you count breaths for a full minute to get an accurate picture and interpret the rate in the context of the patient’s overall condition.