Final answer:
An AED provides guidance on defibrillation and is designed for layperson use, delivering a shock automatically if necessary, while manual defibrillators require professional operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) differs from a manual external defibrillator in that it provides user guidance about whether the cardiac rhythm should be treated with defibrillation. Unlike manual defibrillators, which are more commonly used in hospital settings and require a trained operator to analyze the patient's heart rhythm and make decisions about the delivery of shocks, AEDs are designed to be used by laypersons. They come with built-in technology to automatically assess the patient's heart condition and deliver a shock with the correct energy and waveform if necessary. Initially, CPR is often recommended before the use of an AED. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is option A: The user is provided guidance about whether the cardiac rhythm should be treated with defibrillation.