ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

The normal average range of respiration for a healthy adult is considered to be 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects a typical resting respiratory rate, which is essential for maintaining adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal from the body. When assessing respiration, it is important to note that factors such as age, activity level, and overall health may influence an individual's respiratory rate. However, a rate within 12 to 20 breaths per minute is widely recognized by healthcare professionals as indicative of normal respiratory function in adults.

Respiratory rates outside this range may suggest potential health issues. For instance, rates below 12 breaths per minute may indicate bradypnea, which can occur during respiratory depression, while rates above 20 breaths per minute may signify tachypnea, commonly due to conditions such as anxiety, fever, or respiratory distress. Understanding the context of normal respiration helps in identifying and addressing abnormal patterns in patient care.