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

What is the normal range for a child's breathing rate?

1. 10-15 breaths per minute

2. 15-30 breaths per minute

3. 20-35 breaths per minute

4. 25-50 breaths per minute

The correct answer is: 25-50 breaths per minute

The normal range for a child's breathing rate varies depending on their age, but generally falls within the range of 25 to 50 breaths per minute, particularly for infants and younger children. This higher respiratory rate in children is a physiological response, as their metabolic rate is elevated and their lungs are smaller, necessitating more frequent breaths to meet their oxygen demands. In contrast, as children grow older, their breathing rate typically decreases and tends to align more closely with adult ranges. Thus, understanding that younger children, including infants, can exhibit this higher rate helps caregivers and medical responders assess respiratory function accurately. The identification of this range is essential for recognizing normal vs. abnormal respiratory patterns in pediatric patients, which can be critical in emergency situations.