Which of the following conditions can paracetamol be used to treat?

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is commonly utilized for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. It is particularly effective in treating mild to moderate pain, which includes arthritis-related pain. Arthritis can lead to discomfort and inflammation in joints, and while paracetamol does not have anti-inflammatory properties like some other pain medications, it can effectively manage the associated pain.

The other options do not align with the therapeutic use of paracetamol. Severe respiratory distress typically requires interventions aimed at addressing the underlying respiratory condition rather than simple analgesics. Acute infections may necessitate antibiotics or antiviral treatments, depending on the causative organism, rather than paracetamol, which is more suited for symptom relief rather than treating the infection itself. Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine, and symptomatic relief with paracetamol is not applicable in this critical situation. Therefore, the use of paracetamol is most appropriate in managing arthritis-related pain among the choices provided.