A full-term infant presents with coughing and choking during feedings, and an x-ray indicates a coiled tube in the mediastinum. What should the specialist recommend?

The recommendation to insert a Replogle tube is appropriate in this situation because it is a specialized device designed for the management of esophageal atresia or tracheoesophageal fistula, conditions that can lead to coughing and choking during feedings, as seen in this full-term infant. The presence of a coiled tube in the mediastinum on the x-ray suggests that there may be an issue related to the esophagus or trachea, where the Replogle tube can be used to decompress the gastrointestinal tract by allowing for suction and drainage of secretions.

Inserting a Replogle tube helps to alleviate respiratory distress by preventing aspiration of secretions and allows the healthcare team to manage any immediate complications that could arise from feeding difficulties due to underlying anatomical problems. The use of this tube can stabilize the infant's condition while further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are planned.

In the context of other options presented, positioning the infant in prone may not directly address the immediate problem of respiratory distress related to feeding. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics may be necessary if there were signs of infection, but it does not target the underlying anatomical issue suggested by the x-ray findings. Lastly, using a meconium aspirator to clear secretions is typically relevant