A 52-year-old man with community-acquired pneumonia is admitted to the ICU. On day 3 of hospitalization, despite appropriate antibiotics and oxygen therapy, his PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio drops to 180 mmHg. Chest X-ray shows bilateral infiltrates. He is currently on conventional mechanical ventilation with Vt = 8 mL/kg IBW, PEEP = 5 cm H₂O, and FiO₂ = 0.6. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

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