Florida Basic Recruit Training Program High Liability (First Aid) Practice Exam

What is the normal breathing rate for adults?

1. 10-15 breaths per minute

2. 12-20 breaths per minute

3. 20-25 breaths per minute

4. 15-30 breaths per minute

The correct answer is: 12-20 breaths per minute

The normal breathing rate for adults typically falls within the range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range is considered standard for a resting adult and reflects a balance between oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion under normal conditions. Breathing rates can vary based on several factors, including age, physical fitness, health status, and levels of stress or activity, but the 12-20 range is widely accepted in medical guidelines as normal. Understanding this normal range is crucial for first aid responders. Recognizing deviations from this standard can help in identifying respiratory distress or other medical conditions. For example, if an adult's breathing rate exceeds 20 breaths per minute (tachypnea) or drops below 12 (bradypnea), it may signal a need for further assessment or intervention. Monitoring breathing rates is an essential component of primary assessments in first aid situations, helping responders gauge a person's vital signs effectively.