A 5-Week-Old Infant Born at 32 Weeks' Gestation Is Receiving

A 5-week-old infant born at 32 weeks' gestation is receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Cardiopulmonary examination shows a grade 4/6 continuous murmur heard best at the left infraclavicular area. Echocardiography reveals a patent ductus arteriosus and a dilated left atrium.  During surgical ligation of the ductus arteriosus, the surgeons perform a left-sided thoracotomy, visualize the ductus, and place a small metal clamp across the vessel.  Which of the following changes is most likely to take place immediately after ligation?

A) Decreased right ventricular output
B) Decreased right ventricular preload
C) Increased left ventricular afterload
D) Increased left ventricular output
E) Increased right ventricular afterload

Correct Answer:

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