Which of the following is a normal respiration count for an adult?

The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range reflects the average ventilatory demands of the body during a resting state, where the respiratory system efficiently supplies oxygen to the bloodstream while facilitating the expulsion of carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism.

When assessing respiratory rates, it's essential to consider factors such as age, health status, and activity level, as these can influence an individual's baseline respiratory rate. The range of 12 to 20 is widely accepted in clinical practice and supports the body's physiological needs.

The other ranges listed fall outside the established norms for adults. For example, a range of 10-15 breaths per minute might be seen in well-conditioned athletes during rest, but it can also suggest bradypnea (slower than normal breathing) in non-athletic individuals. Similarly, the ranges of 15-25 breaths per minute and 20-30 breaths per minute are considered elevated and may indicate conditions such as anxiety, exercise, infection, or other respiratory disturbances. Thus, 12-20 breaths per minute is the most accurate and widely recognized answer for normal adult respiration.