North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the normal respiratory rate range for adults?

10-15 breaths per minute
12-20 breaths per minute
15-25 breaths per minute
20-30 breaths per minute

The correct answer is: 12-20 breaths per minute

The normal respiratory rate range for adults typically falls between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range is established based on physiological studies and clinical observations of resting adults who are neither exercise-exposed nor in a state of distress. Respiratory rates outside this range can indicate various health issues, such as bradypnea (abnormally slow breathing) or tachypnea (abnormally fast breathing). Understanding this normal range is critical for EMTs and healthcare providers, as it helps in assessing a patient's respiratory status during an examination. A rate of under 12 may suggest respiratory depression, while a rate above 20 may signify increased demand for oxygen due to factors such as anxiety, pain, or respiratory illness. This knowledge aids in forming a baseline for evaluating the patient's condition and determining necessary interventions.