Signs of Normal Breathing

• What is the normal rate of breathing for adults?

  12 to 20 breaths/min
• What is the normal rate of breathing for a child?

  15 to 30 breaths/min
• What is the normal rate of breathing for an infant?

  30 to 60 breaths/min
• What kind of pattern of inhalation and exhalation shows normal breathing?

  regular
• What kind of breath sounds are heard with normal breathing?

  clear and equal on both sides of the chest; unlabored, without adventitious (abnormal) breath sounds (wheezing, stridor)
• What kind of chest rise (chest expansion) and fall is associated with normal breathing?


  regular and equal
• What depth is associated with normal breathing?

  adequate depth (tidal volume)
• signs of normal breathing (6):

  • a normal rate
  • regular pattern of inhalation and exhalation
  • clear and equal breath sounds on both sides of the chest
  • regular and equal chest rise and fall
  • adequate depth
  • unlabored; without adventitious breath sounds