Final answer:
A healthcare provider may consider prescribing hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen or morphine instead of oxycodone for a patient with severe, chronic pain that is no longer managed effectively by oxycodone.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient reports that oxycodone is no longer effective for managing severe, chronic pain, there are several options a healthcare provider might consider. One option is to prescribe a different opioid medication, such as hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen, which is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain and may have a slightly different effect on the patient. Alternatively, the provider may consider other opioids like morphine, which is often used to alleviate severe pain after surgical procedures. It is important to manage opioid prescription carefully due to the risk of addiction and other serious side effects, ensuring they are used under strict medical supervision.