An unresponsive victim of a diving accident is brought to the emergency department where it is determined that immediate surgery is required to save the client's life. The client is accompanied by a close friend, but no family members are available. Which action should the nurse take first?

Notify the unit manager that an emergency court order is needed to allow surgery.

Continue to provide life support until a thorough search for a guardian is completed.

Carry on with surgical preparation of the client without a signed informed consent.

Ask the client's friend to sign the informed consent since the client is unresponsive.