Which of the following represents a normal respiratory rate?

• A. 10 respirations per minute
• B. 6 respirations per minute
• C. 14 respirations per minute
• D. 18 respirations per minute

Answer: (C)

Normal resting breathing for adults is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A rate of 14 breaths per minute falls right in that range, showing a normal, comfortable pace of breathing. The other options are outside or at the edge of normal: 10 and 6 are slower than typical resting rates, which can indicate bradypnea or a need for assessment, while 18 is also within the normal range, but 14 is a clear example that sits well within the standard range. This helps caregivers spot when breathing is normal versus requiring closer monitoring.