A 52-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cor pulmonale presents with acute exacerbation: dyspnea, cough, and purulent sputum. ABG on room air shows pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 68 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 32 mEq/L, PaO₂ 48 mmHg, SaO₂ 76%. He is alert and cooperative. Chest X-ray shows hyperinflation and no acute infiltrate. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?

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