What is the normal respiration range for adults and adolescents?

• A. 8-12
• B. 12-20
• C. 20-30
• D. 30-40

Answer: (B)

Normal resting respiration for adults and adolescents is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects a comfortable, steady rate when the body is at rest. Rates below 12 can indicate bradypnea, while rates above 20 may signal tachypnea or distress and can occur with fever, infection, anxiety, or lung or metabolic conditions. The other options are outside the typical resting range: 8–12 is generally too slow for a normal resting rate, and 20–30 or 30–40 suggests an elevated breathing effort rather than normal resting breathing.