A 65-year-old cancer patient gives his best friend durable power of attorney. As his condition worsens, he goes into respiratory failure and is now on a ventilator in a coma. The friend believes the patient would have wished for life support to be withdrawn. However, the patient had previously made a living will stipulating that all measures should be undertaken to maintain his life. The patient’s son believes his father’s living will reflects his wishes and wants extreme measures taken to maintain his life. What action should the physician take?
(A) Advise the friend to listen to the son’s wishes
(B) Appoint the son durable power of attorney because he is next of kin
© Keep the patient on life support in accordance with the living will
(D) Poll all family members present and follow the most supported course of action
(E) Respect the durable power of attorney and withdraw life support