What is the respiratory rate range for adolescents (12 to 18 years)?

What is the respiratory rate range for adolescents (12 to 18 years)?

• A. 12 to 20
• B. 20 to 30
• C. 8 to 14
• D. 24 to 28

Answer: (A)

Normal respiratory rate varies with age, and for adolescents it sits around 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects a steady, adult-like breathing pattern after puberty. The choice that matches 12–20 best fits this typical adolescent baseline, while the others align with either younger children or with abnormal or distressed breathing: 20–30 is higher than normal for a healthy adolescent, 8–14 is slower than normal, and 24–28 indicates tachypnea. So, 12 to 20 breaths per minute is the correct range for adolescents.

Normal respiratory rate varies with age, and for adolescents it sits around 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects a steady, adult-like breathing pattern after puberty. The choice that matches 12–20 best fits this typical adolescent baseline, while the others align with either younger children or with abnormal or distressed breathing: 20–30 is higher than normal for a healthy adolescent, 8–14 is slower than normal, and 24–28 indicates tachypnea. So, 12 to 20 breaths per minute is the correct range for adolescents.