When Assessing a 65-Year-Old Male Patient, You Note a Tube-Like

When assessing a 65-year-old male patient, you note a tube-like device inserted into the lower portion of his trachea. You recognize that the device has most likely been placed to:

A) to permit the exchange of O₂ and CO₂.
B) to allow the patient to be fed a liquid diet.
C) to allow the patient to talk.
D) to allow easy suctioning of the lower airway.