Final answer:
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm during a cardiac arrest. It does not perform CPR, increase heart rate, or administer medication and is commonly found in public places for use by anyone.
Step-by-step explanation:
In treating a cardiac arrest with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the correct answer is that it delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm. An AED is a portable electronic device that is used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart unexpectedly stops beating. If the heart enters into a dangerous arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation, which is a rapid and irregular heart rhythm that prevents the heart from effectively pumping blood, the AED can be used to apply a shock. This shock can terminate the arrhythmia and allow the natural pacemaker of the heart to reestablish a normal rhythm. Although AEDs can provide important guidance and are equipped with an electrocardiogram to analyze the patient's heart rhythm, they do not perform CPR automatically, increase heart rate, or administer medication.
When using an AED, it is often recommended to perform CPR prior to the shock to provide blood flow to the heart and brain until a normal heart rhythm can be restored by the AED. AEDs are typically found in public places and are designed for use by laypersons, making them a critical component in attempting to save lives during cardiac emergencies. The device provides simple and direct verbal instructions that can be followed to deliver the potentially lifesaving shock.