An ICU nurse is caring for a client, age 33, who was involved in a car accident last night. The client has been intubated and is on mechanical ventilation. The client is in critical condition and after careful assessment, the physician determines that the client will be a quadriplegic if they survive. The client is unable to communicate, but the person with the client, who says they are their spouse, has determined that it would be best to stop treating the client and take them off of mechanical ventilation. The healthcare team cannot find documentation of any medical directives related to the client's wishes. Which of the following is the next most appropriate action for the nurse to take?