What is the normal respiratory rate range for adults?

Prepare for your Osteopathic Medicine Foundations Exam with detailed multiple choice questions and comprehensive explanations. Enhance your study with flashcards and insights to boost your readiness and confidence!

The normal respiratory rate range for adults typically falls between 12 to 20 breaths per minute, with many sources defining the upper limit as 20. Therefore, the range of 14-20 breaths per minute reflects this standard, encompassing the majority of healthy adults. This range accounts for variations in individual respiratory patterns and levels of exertion or rest.

Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial as it can indicate overall respiratory health. Values significantly below or above this range may suggest underlying health issues, making awareness of the normal respiratory rate important for clinical practice. In assessing respiratory function, practitioners may also consider factors such as age, activity level, and health status, confirming that the selected range encompasses the majority of typical adult resting conditions.

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