Normal adult respiratory rate should range from

Study for the Nassau County EMT Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Normal adult respiratory rate should range from

Explanation:
Resting respiratory rate in adults is typically 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects normal, effortless breathing at rest. Rates consistently above 20 can indicate tachypnea from fever, infection, anxiety, or respiratory or metabolic problems, while rates consistently below 12 can suggest bradypnea from CNS depression, medication effects, or serious illness. The other ranges either underestimate the lower bound or exceed the typical upper bound for resting breathing, so 12 to 20 is the best fit.

Resting respiratory rate in adults is typically 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects normal, effortless breathing at rest. Rates consistently above 20 can indicate tachypnea from fever, infection, anxiety, or respiratory or metabolic problems, while rates consistently below 12 can suggest bradypnea from CNS depression, medication effects, or serious illness. The other ranges either underestimate the lower bound or exceed the typical upper bound for resting breathing, so 12 to 20 is the best fit.

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