Which of the following substances is commonly used as a pain management medication?

The selection of all the substances listed recognizes that they all serve as pain management medications, albeit through different mechanisms and for various types of pain. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and blocking certain enzymes involved in the pain process. Opioids act by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, effectively diminishing the perception of pain, and are especially useful for managing severe pain. Acetaminophen, meanwhile, is often used for mild to moderate pain relief and has a different action mechanism, primarily affecting the central nervous system to reduce pain and fever. Since each of these medications has different properties and uses, recognizing that all are commonly employed in pain management underscores the diverse strategies available for treating pain in clinical practice.