Body systemsQuestion 792 of 1700

About how long can most people live without breathing?

  1. About ten minutes
  2. About three minutes
  3. About thirty minutes
  4. About one hour
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Correct answer: About three minutes

Most people cannot go longer than about three minutes without breathing.

Source: Nursing Assistant (Reuter), 11.10: Respiratory System

Practice body systems

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026