Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 74 of 200
Normal adult respiratory rate is:
a.5-10 breaths per minute
b.12-20 breaths per minute
c.25-40 breaths per minute
d.Variable, no normal range
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.
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