A 3-year-old child presents with wheezing after playing with crayons. What procedure should be recommended?

In this scenario involving a 3-year-old child who presents with wheezing after playing with crayons, the correct recommendation is rigid bronchoscopy. Wheezing in this context raises concerns about potential airway obstruction or aspiration of a foreign body, which could be a part of the crayon itself or other materials associated with its use.

Rigid bronchoscopy allows for direct visualization of the upper and lower airways and is particularly effective in young children, as it provides a clear view and the ability to remove any foreign bodies or secretions obstructing the airway. This procedure is often preferred in acute situations where there is a risk of a foreign body leading to respiratory distress.

The other options, while they have their uses, do not address the immediate concern in the same effective manner as rigid bronchoscopy. A chest x-ray may help identify lung issues but is not definitive for assessing airway obstruction. A lateral neck x-ray could look for issues in the upper airway, but it would not provide necessary intervention. Flexible bronchoscopy is generally more suitable for diagnostic purposes rather than urgent intervention, especially in young children where there may be a need for immediate removal of an obstruction.

Therefore, rigid bronchoscopy is the appropriate procedure for this child's situation, providing both