What is the typical minute respiratory volume in liters per minute?

• A. 2 L/min
• B. 4 L/min
• C. 6 L/min
• D. 8 L/min

Answer: (C)

The typical minute respiratory volume, also known as minute ventilation, is the amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled from the lungs in one minute. This value is influenced by both the tidal volume (the amount of air moved per breath) and the respiratory rate (the number of breaths taken per minute). In a healthy adult at rest, the tidal volume averages about 500 milliliters per breath and the respiratory rate is typically around 12 to 20 breaths per minute, which results in a calculated minute respiratory volume of approximately 6 liters per minute. This figure represents an average for adults under resting conditions and reflects the body's metabolic demands for oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide.

Other options were either too low or too high compared to the typical values observed in a resting adult, illustrating that minute volume can vary significantly depending on factors such as activity level, age, and health status.