1. The 70-year-old man with COPD and respiratory distress needs supplemental oxygen therapy.
2. An appropriate initial treatment is to use a venturi mask delivering 40% oxygen, and titrate as needed while monitoring the patient.
3. Based on the patient's blood gas results showing a PaO2 of 40 mmHg, the desired PaO2 of 90 mmHg, and room air being 21% oxygen, the required fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) to achieve the desired PaO2 is calculated to be 47%.