A 68-year-old man with COPD (FEV₁ 35% predicted) presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of cough, purulent sputum, fever (38.5°C), and dyspnea. Chest X-ray shows a left lower lobe infiltrate. Oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. Blood cultures and sputum culture have been sent. What is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?

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