Failure of the ductus arteriosus to close after birth results in a persistent shunt, typically allowing blood to flow from which vessel to which other vessel?

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

After birth, systemic vascular resistance increases, and pulmonary vascular resistance decreases. This causes pressure in the aorta to exceed that in the pulmonary artery, leading to a left-to-right shunt from the aorta to the pulmonary artery if the ductus arteriosus remains open.