Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

What does a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute suggest for a patient?

1. Normal respiratory function

2. Pneumonia

3. Potential respiratory distress

4. Bronchitis

The correct answer is: Potential respiratory distress

A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute indicates a higher-than-normal respiratory frequency, which is considered tachypnea. This condition often suggests that a patient may be experiencing respiratory distress. In healthy adults, the normal respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. When the rate exceeds this range, it can be a compensatory mechanism in response to various underlying issues such as hypoxia, anxiety, pain, fever, or a respiratory condition. While certain conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis may contribute to an increased respiratory rate, tachypnea alone is not definitive for these diagnoses without additional context. Instead, the increased rate is a more direct indicator of potential respiratory distress, signaling that the patient may be struggling to adequately oxygenate or ventilate, hence requiring closer monitoring and potential intervention.