A 45-year-old male patient with a history of pneumonia is transported by air to a tertiary care center. During transport, he develops severe shortness of breath, hypoxemia, and bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray without signs of heart failure. What should be the immediate priority in managing this patient?
Administer diuretics to manage potential fluid overload
Administer antibiotics for the underlying infection
Administer bronchodilators for airway management
Administer high-flow oxygen or apply positive pressure ventilation