A 55-year-old male with acute dyspnea is admitted to the hospital. He is alert and oriented. His physical examination reveals: Heart rate 120 beats/min; blood pressure 146/88 mm Hg; temperature 38° C; respiratory rate 28 breaths/min and slightly labored. Breath sounds are decreased throughout with fine late crackles on inspiration; chest expansion is decreased in both bases. The patient is not coughing. The ABG on room air is: pH 7.52; PaCO2 30 mm Hg; PaO2 42 mm Hg; Hb-O2 80%; HCO24 mEq/L. This patient is retired after working in a steel factory for 38 years, and he has a 50-pack-year history of smoking. What is the most appropriate action for the respiratory therapist to take?

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