After a child aspirates gummy bears and is suctioned, what should the neonatal/pediatric specialist do next?

In the case of a child who has aspirated gummy bears and has been suctioned, the most appropriate next step is to roll the patient to the right side for postural drainage. This position can help facilitate the removal of any remaining aspirated material by using gravity to aid in clearance from the airways.

Postural drainage is a technique that allows for improved aeration and drainage of secretions, which is particularly useful in pediatric patients who might struggle with airway clearance. By positioning the child on their side, the specialist can encourage the mucus or aspirated material to move toward the larger airways, making it easier for further suctioning or cough efforts to clear it out.

Sitting the patient up and performing the Heimlich maneuver is generally reserved for more severe airway obstructions where the child is unable to cough or breathe, while back blows are also typically used in instances of choking but may not be the most effective approach after suctioning has already occurred. Ordering a chest x-ray could be helpful for evaluating potential complications but is not an immediate intervention in response to an acute airway clearance issue. Therefore, rolling the patient to the right side for postural drainage is the most logical next step in this scenario.