Which of the following is the normal respiratory rate of a healthy newborn?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Explanation

The correct option is 35 breaths/minute, as it falls within the normal respiratory rate range for a healthy newborn.
According to pediatric guidelines, the normal respiratory rate for a newborn (birth to 1 month) is 30 to 60 breaths per minute.
Newborns have a higher metabolic rate and smaller lung capacity compared to adults, necessitating a faster breathing rate to meet their oxygen demands.

Option B: A respiratory rate of 16 breaths/minute is too low for a newborn and is considered bradypnea, which could indicate a serious underlying issue.
Option C: A respiratory rate of 22 breaths/minute is below the normal range for a newborn.
Option D: A respiratory rate of 20 breaths/minute is significantly lower than the expected rate for a healthy newborn.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal vital signs in newborns as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must count a newborn's respirations for a full 60 seconds because their breathing pattern is often irregular, with short periods of apnea (periodic breathing).
Any significant deviation from the normal range, especially when accompanied by signs of distress like nasal flaring, grunting, or retractions, requires immediate reporting and intervention.
What if? If a newborn's respiratory rate is consistently above 60 breaths/min (tachypnea), it could signal respiratory distress syndrome, infection, or a cardiac issue, warranting urgent medical evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key subject of the question: 'normal respiratory rate' and the specific population: 'healthy newborn'.
Recall the standard physiological parameters for newborns. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn is a fundamental piece of knowledge in nursing.
The expected range is 30-60 breaths per minute.
Evaluate each option against this known range.
Option A (35/min) is within the 30-60 range.
Options B (16/min), C (22/min), and D (20/min) are all below the normal range for a newborn.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qrs0rckExJzZOe9bhBtAow

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 22-24

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 712-714

Practise the full AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

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