Normal respiratory rates in an adult is?

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

The normal respiratory rate for a resting adult is defined as 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
A rate of 15 breaths per minute is the only option that falls within this established normal range.
This rate indicates Eupnea, which is the term for normal, unlabored breathing.

Option A: A respiratory rate of 5 breaths per minute is significantly below the normal range and indicates severe bradypnea, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Option B: A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is below the normal range of 12-20 and is classified as bradypnea (slow breathing).
Option D: A respiratory rate of 27 breaths per minute is well above the normal range and is classified as tachypnea (rapid breathing).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal respiratory rate in adults as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Respiratory rate is a critical vital sign and one of the most sensitive indicators of acute clinical deterioration. A change in rate is often the first sign of a problem.
Nurses must not only measure the rate but also assess the quality of breathing (depth, rhythm, effort) to get a complete picture of the patient's respiratory status.
What if? If the patient was an infant (newborn to 1 year), a respiratory rate of 27/min would be considered normal, as the normal range for infants is much higher (30-60/min for newborns, 25-35/min for a 1-year-old).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the 'normal respiratory rate' in an 'adult'.
Recall the standard physiological range for this vital sign. The established normal range for an adult at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Systematically evaluate each option against this recalled range.
Option A (5/min) and B (10/min) are too low.
Option D (27/min) is too high.
Option C (15/min) is the only value that fits within the 12-20 breaths/min range, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Vital Signs p. 63-65

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 pp. 22-24, 23-25

Practise the full NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.