Review Question - QID 214203

A 65-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is brought to the hospital with breathing difficulties by his family. As his long-term provider, the treating physician understands the patient’s advanced level of disease can only be stabilized with invasive ventilation, which the family urges the physician to use. However, in the past, when the physician carefully explained the patient’s condition and the risks and benefits of various treatments (including no treatment) for emergencies, the patient has only ever consented to the use of non-invasive measures. Each time, the patient demonstrates comprehension of his illness and the consequences of his decision and is always vehemently against anything invasive. Soon, the patient becomes unresponsive. What is the most appropriate immediate course of action for the physician?