Which of the following patients is breathing adequately?

• A. An unconscious 52-year-old female with snoring respirations and cool, pale skin
• B. A conscious male with respirations of 18 breaths/min and reduced tidal volume
• C. A conscious female with facial cyanosis and rapid, shallow respirations
• D. A conscious male with respirations of 19 breaths/min and pink skin

Answer: (D)

Adequate breathing is shown by a normal adult breathing rate with breaths of sufficient depth, good color, and the ability to stay conscious, indicating the airway is open and ventilation is effective. The conscious man breathing about 19 breaths per minute with pink skin fits this best: the rate is within the normal 12–20 range, pink skin shows adequate oxygenation and perfusion, and being conscious suggests the airway is clear and ventilation is sufficient. The other scenarios reveal problems—airway obstruction risk with unconscious, snoring respirations; shallow breaths with reduced tidal volume despite a normal rate; and signs of hypoxia with facial cyanosis and rapid, shallow breathing. Thus, this patient is breathing adequately.