Tachypnea is generally defined as a patient taking more than __________ breaths per minute.

Tachypnea is generally defined as a patient taking more than __________ breaths per minute.
A . 20
B . 25
C . 15
D . 30

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

A normal healthy adult will take between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. Any more than this is defined as tachypnea and is a cause for concern that should be reported to a physician.

However, you should take external factors into consideration, for example if the patient just climbed stairs to reach the examination, and be aware that newborn infants normally breathe at up to 44 breaths per minute.