A cancer patient has been prescribed 5-fluorouracil, an antimetabolite chemotherapy agent. This medication stops normal development and division by interrupting the S-phase of the cell cycle. When teaching this patient, the nurse explains that during the S-phase of the cell cycle,

Question

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During the S-phase, DNA synthesis occurs, causing two separate sets of chromosomes to develop. Antimetabolites can cause abnormal timing of DNA synthesis. Because of their S-phase specificity, the antimetabolites are more effective when given as a prolonged infusion.

A Cancer Patient Has Been Prescribed 5-Fluorouracil, an Antimetabolite Chemotherapy