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 particularly pertinent in this case due to the presentation of the full-term infant exhibiting coughing and choking during feedings. These symptoms, along with the x-ray findings of a coiled tube in the mediastinum, suggest the presence of esophageal atresia or a tracheoesophageal fistula, which can lead to significant difficulty with feeding and a risk of aspiration.

A Replogle tube is a specialized feeding tube that is often used in cases of esophageal atresia because it enables the drainage of secretions from the upper esophagus, thereby reducing the risk of aspiration and alleviating respiratory distress. By properly positioning the tube, the clinician can ensure that any saliva or other secretions that cannot reach the stomach are effectively removed, allowing the infant to breathe more comfortably and making the feeding process safer.

In this context, the other options do not address the underlying issues effectively: positioning the infant in a prone position may help with respiratory distress but does not specifically manage the risks associated with esophageal atresia. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics could be appropriate if there were signs of infection, but that doesn’t address the immediate feeding complications. Using a meconium aspirator to clear secret