Final answer:
AEDs can be used for infants and children under 8 with pediatric pads, and should be applied during cardiac arrest. CPR must be paused for AED rhythm analysis, and with precautions, it's safe over an implanted defibrillator.
(Option A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding the automated external defibrillator (AED) is that AEDs can safely be used in infants and children less than 8 years of age, but it is important to use pediatric pads if available. AEDs are designed to automatically diagnose the patient's heart rhythm and apply the shock with the appropriate energy and waveform.
While CPR is indeed recommended before using an AED, the device cannot analyze the patient's rhythm while CPR is in progress, thus CPR must be paused during the AED's analysis. AEDs should be applied to patients who are experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and not merely at risk for it. Lastly, an AED can be used on a patient with an implanted defibrillator, but the pads should not be placed directly over the implanted device.