What is the normal respiratory rate for a child aged 6-12 years?

The normal respiratory rate for a child aged 6-12 years typically ranges from 18 to 30 breaths per minute. This range reflects the physiological changes that occur during childhood as the respiratory system matures and becomes more efficient.

In this age group, children are more active, which can lead to slightly elevated respiratory rates compared to older children and adolescents. Monitoring respiratory rates is crucial in clinical settings, as deviations from the norm may indicate underlying health issues or respiratory distress.

Other options do not align with established pediatric guidelines. For instance, the lower range, such as 10-20 or 12-25 breaths per minute, is more applicable to adults or older adolescents, while the range of 25-35 breaths per minute is indicative of younger children or infants, where higher rates are expected due to their smaller lung capacity and higher metabolism. Thus, option B accurately reflects the standard respiratory rate for children in this specific age group.