Among the listed age groups, which typically has the highest normal respiratory rate?

Among the listed age groups, which typically has the highest normal respiratory rate?

• A. Infant
• B. Adult
• C. Child
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Respiratory rate is strongly age-dependent, with infants breathing faster to meet their metabolic needs and because their airways and lungs are still developing. Normal rates for infants are roughly 30–60 breaths per minute, which is higher than that of children (about 20–40) and adults (about 12–20). Therefore, among the listed groups, the infant has the highest typical normal respiratory rate. In practice, always compare a patient’s breathing rate to age-appropriate norms, since what’s normal for an infant differs from what’s normal for an adult.

Respiratory rate is strongly age-dependent, with infants breathing faster to meet their metabolic needs and because their airways and lungs are still developing. Normal rates for infants are roughly 30–60 breaths per minute, which is higher than that of children (about 20–40) and adults (about 12–20). Therefore, among the listed groups, the infant has the highest typical normal respiratory rate. In practice, always compare a patient’s breathing rate to age-appropriate norms, since what’s normal for an infant differs from what’s normal for an adult.