What is the minimum respiratory rate in a normal adolescent?

What is the minimum respiratory rate in a normal adolescent?

• A. 14
• B. 16
• C. 18
• D. 20

Answer: (B)

Adolescents breathe more slowly at rest than younger children, approaching the adult range. A commonly cited lower limit of normal for a resting adolescent is about 16 breaths per minute. So the smallest rate still considered normal in this age group is 16. Rates lower than that, like 14, can indicate slower breathing (bradypnea) in this age, while higher values such as 18 or 20 are still normal but represent higher end of the lower-to-mid normal range. When measuring, count for a full minute after the patient is calm and seated, since stress, fever, or recent activity can raise the rate.

Adolescents breathe more slowly at rest than younger children, approaching the adult range. A commonly cited lower limit of normal for a resting adolescent is about 16 breaths per minute. So the smallest rate still considered normal in this age group is 16. Rates lower than that, like 14, can indicate slower breathing (bradypnea) in this age, while higher values such as 18 or 20 are still normal but represent higher end of the lower-to-mid normal range. When measuring, count for a full minute after the patient is calm and seated, since stress, fever, or recent activity can raise the rate.