Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 9th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 9th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

Antimetabolites are a diverse group of antineoplastic agents that interfere with various metabolic actions of the cell. The mechanism of action of antimetabolites interferes with:

  • A. Cell division or mitosis during the M phase of the cell cycle.
  • B. Normal cellular processes during the S phase of the cell cycle.
  • C. The chemical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and chemical binding between DNA molecules (cell cycle-nonspecific).
  • D. One or more stages of ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis, DNA synthesis, or both (cell cycle- nonspecific).
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because antimetabolites interfere with the synthesis of nucleic acids (RNA and/or DNA), affecting multiple stages of RNA and DNA synthesis. This disruption hinders cell division and leads to cell death. Choices A and B are incorrect because antimetabolites do not specifically target cell division during the M phase or normal cellular processes during the S phase. Choice C is also incorrect because antimetabolites primarily target nucleic acid synthesis rather than altering the chemical structure of DNA or the binding between DNA molecules.