Adolescents have a normal respiratory rate in which range?

• A. 15-25 breaths per minute
• B. 12-20 breaths per minute
• C. 18-30 breaths per minute
• D. 22-34 breaths per minute

Answer: (B)

A resting respiratory rate around 12–20 breaths per minute is typical for adolescents. This pace reflects mature lung function similar to adults, with rates higher than this often signaling tachypnea from fever, infection, anxiety, or respiratory distress, and rates much lower than this being uncommon at rest.

The other ranges overshoot the normal resting tempo for this age group. For example, 15–25 includes values above the typical upper limit, 18–30 is more characteristic of younger children or during activity, and 22–34 is far above what’s expected at rest for adolescents.