The nurse tells the client that alkylating agents kill cancer cells by: 1. containing substances ...

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: This is the action of antibiotic antineoplastics.
Rationale 2: This is the action of antimetabolites.
Rationale 3: This is the action of alkylating agents.
Rationale 4: This is the action of hormone antagonists.
Global Rationale: Alkylating agents kill cancer cells by altering the shape of the DNA double helix and preventing the DNA from duplicating during cell division. Antibiotic antineoplastics contain substances from bacteria that can kill cancer cells. Antimetabolites disrupt critical cellular pathways of cancer cells. Hormone antagonists block substances necessary for the continued growth of tumors.