For gastrointestinal intubation, which item should the nurse obtain for a Salem sump tube?

In gastrointestinal intubation with a Salem sump tube, the key characteristic is that it is designed with a large lumen and an air vent. The large lumen allows for efficient drainage of gastric contents, which is essential in various clinical situations, such as decompression of the stomach in cases of obstruction or ileus. The air vent, which is a separate smaller lumen, helps to prevent the tube from adhering to the gastric wall, allowing for continuous drainage and reducing the risk of irritation and trauma to the gastric lining.

This specific design of the Salem sump tube facilitates safe and effective gastric suctioning while ensuring that the tube remains patent and functional. In contrast, other types of tubes, such as the Dobbhoff weighted tube or the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube, serve different purposes and have distinct designs that do not meet the requirements for gastrointestinal drainage and suction.