Normal adult respiratory rate is:

Explanation

Normal adult respirations are 12-20 breaths per minute at rest. Bradypnea (<12) may indicate opioid effect or neurologic compromise; tachypnea (>20) may indicate fever, pain, hypoxia, or respiratory distress. CNAs count without telling the resident (to avoid altered breathing pattern), watch one full minute (or 30 seconds if regular), and note depth and effort. Report abnormal findings to the nurse.