What term describes a patient’s normal breathing rate at rest?

The term that accurately describes a patient's normal breathing rate at rest is "Eupnea." This term specifically refers to the regular and unlabored pattern of breathing, which is considered typical for a resting individual. Eupnea indicates that the breathing is not only normal in terms of rate but also depth and rhythm, signaling overall good respiratory function.

In contrast, apnea is the absence of breathing, which would indicate a serious respiratory issue. Dyspnea refers to difficulty or discomfort in breathing and may indicate an underlying problem, while tachypnea is an abnormally rapid breathing rate which can be associated with various medical conditions including anxiety, fever, or respiratory distress. Therefore, eupnea is the precise term for typical, healthy breathing patterns at rest.