A 75 -year-oid man is admitted for a myocardial infarction and a stroke that leaves him in a persistent vegetative state. He is a widow, never designated a health-care proxy, and left no written evidence of his wishes for himself. His nephew and daughter want to continue all forms of therapy including artificial nutrition and hydration. His son and the patient's brother want to stop everything. Both parties believe they know the wishes of the patient.
What should you do?
a. Encourage discussion amongst the family.
b. You, the physician, make the decision in the best interest of the patient.
c. Stop all forms of therapy.
d. Obtain a court order seeking a court-appointed guardian.