What is the normal respiratory rate for adults?

Prepare for the NBCSN Health Appraisal Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ensure you are exam-ready!

The normal respiratory rate for adults is typically considered to be between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects a baseline for healthy adults at rest, encompassing the average respiratory effort required for the body to maintain adequate oxygen levels and expel carbon dioxide.

Factors such as age, physical condition, and activity level can cause variability within this range. For instance, younger individuals or those engaged in physical training may have slightly higher or lower rates, but 12 to 20 breaths per minute remains the established norm in clinical practice.

The other provided options either fall below or exceed this standard range, indicating less common respiratory patterns for typical adults at rest, which could be indicative of various health issues or external factors influencing respiration.

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