A 35 -year-old homosexual man is a victim of a motor vehicle accident in which he sustains head trauma resulting in a large subdural hematoma. His breathing is becoming worse and endotracheal intubation is being considered for mechanical ventilation. His family including his mother as well as his male domestic partner is present. His mother insists on the intubation being performed. The domestic partner is the healthcare agent. The agent states unequivocally that the patient stated both verbally and in writing that he wished never to be placed on a "breathing machine for any purpose."
What should you do?
a. Honor the proxy and do not intubate.
b. Honor the mother's wishes and intubate the patient.
c. Consult the ethics committee.
d. Neurology evaluation.
e. Try intubation for 24-48 hours to see if he recovers.
f. Ask the opinion of the rest of the family.