Final answer:
The ventilatory rate, or average number of breaths per minute, should be 12-15 for adults. It is crucial for maintaining alveolar ventilation to avoid carbon dioxide buildup, and can be regulated by altering both the respiratory rate and tidal volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing patients, nurses take note of the ventilatory rate, which is the average number of breaths per minute. Under normal circumstances, this rate should be between 12-15 breaths per minute for adults.
This rate helps maintain alveolar ventilation, which is crucial for preventing carbon dioxide buildup in the alveoli. Optimal alveolar ventilation is maintained either by increasing the respiratory rate with a decrease in tidal volume or vice versa.
Changes in a patient's respiratory rate can be significant indicators of health issues and are regulated by the respiratory center within the medulla oblongata.