What was the observed respiratory rate in the vitals?

• A. 8/min
• B. 12/min
• C. 16/min
• D. 20/min

Answer: (B)

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute, and for a healthy adult at rest, about 12 to 20 breaths per minute is considered normal. The observed rate of 12 breaths per minute falls at the lower end of that normal range, indicating normal ventilation without signs of distress or rapid breathing. Rates like 8 breaths per minute would be slower than normal and suggest hypoventilation, while 16 breaths per minute is also normal but would reflect a different exact reading, and 20 breaths per minute sits at the upper end of normal and could appear with mild exertion or anxiety. So, 12 breaths per minute best matches a typical normal resting vitals reading.