A healthcare provider measures the respiratory rate as 24 breaths per minute. Is this within normal limits for an adult?

The measurement of a respiratory rate at 24 breaths per minute is actually below the typical range considered for adults at rest. Normal respiratory rates for adults generally range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A rate above this range would be classified as tachypnea, which indicates a potential underlying issue or physiological response, such as anxiety or hyperventilation.

Therefore, the correct choice acknowledges that 24 breaths per minute exceeds the threshold for normalcy in adult respiratory rates. This figure would typically suggest that the patient may experience some distress or other conditions warranting further investigation.