Which statement describes tachypneic breathing?

• A. Breathing less than 12 breaths per minute.
• B. Normal breathing rhythm.
• C. Breathing 20 or more breaths per minute.
• D. Complete absence of breaths.

Answer: (C)

Tachypnea means rapid breathing, with a respiratory rate higher than normal. In adults, normal resting breathing is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute, so tachypneic breathing is described as 20 or more breaths per minute. This makes the statement describing 20 or more breaths per minute the correct one. The other descriptions denote different patterns: fewer than 12 breaths per minute is bradypnea (slow breathing), normal breathing is not tachypnea, and complete absence of breaths is apnea.