My Aunt is off the ventalator but didn't pass the swallow test?

Sometimes when a patient has been on a vent for a while, they don't pass the swallow test in the beginning. It may take a while.

As long as she is breathing on her own, that is a good sign. I am sure she is getting nutrients either through an IV or a feeding tube.

They will keep rechecking. Don't give her anything by mouth - she is at risk of aspiration (inhaling fluid or food into the lungs) which would be bad.

Good luck

In a pt with a prolonged intubation it will vary as to how long it takes to pass a swallow test. She will be evaluated periodically and will be provided adequate tube feeds or IV nourishment until her gag reflex and swallow has returned to normal. sometimes there are other underlying issues that may prolong the return of adequate swallow function. Many of the physical and speech therapists I have spoken to say it is not uncommon to See a pt take as many days to pass as they were on the vent. Though i have seen some Pt's take a extended period to pass, and some who passed the day after they were extubated.

Unfortunately this is a case of Its just really hard to say without knowing more information.

There is not specific amount of time, as long as she's getting food intravenously she'll be okay. Once her body heals and adjusts, I'm sure she'll start gagging so that she can swallow.

Disappointing I only got three right not as good as I thought got Cows wrong and Bus one too so not as bright as i Thought