Final answer:
Acetaminophen is the first step in the World Health Organization's 3-step ladder for pain management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in the World Health Organization's 3-step ladder for pain management is acetaminophen (option d). Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, substances that sensitize pain receptors.