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What is the average respiration rate for an infant?

  1. 15 - 20 breaths/min

  2. 25 - 30 breaths/min

  3. 30 - 60 breaths/min

  4. 12 - 18 breaths/min

The correct answer is: 30 - 60 breaths/min

The average respiration rate for an infant typically ranges from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. This higher rate compared to older children and adults can be attributed to the smaller size of an infant’s lungs and the increased metabolic demand for oxygen in their growing bodies. Infants have an increased oxygen need due to rapid growth and development, which results in faster breathing to meet this demand. In contrast, other age groups have lower average respiration rates; adults, for example, normally breathe at a rate of about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. The significant difference underscores the need for appropriate clinical assessment and understanding of normal vital signs across different patient populations.