Questions: A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I have been getting a lot of cavities lately, but I don't know what is causing them." Which of the following responses should the nurse make? "A lack of protein can cause a problem with cavities." "Cavities can be caused by a diet low in vitamin C." "Increasing your consumption of leafy green vegetables and tomatoes can help with this." "Drinking sugary beverages can make you prone to cavities."

The answer is the last one: "Drinking sugary beverages can make you prone to cavities."

Explanation for each option:

1. "A lack of protein can cause a problem with cavities." - This statement is incorrect. While protein is essential for overall health, a lack of protein is not directly linked to the development of cavities. Cavities are primarily caused by the presence of sugar and bacteria in the mouth.

2. "Cavities can be caused by a diet low in vitamin C." - This statement is also incorrect. While vitamin C is important for gum health, a deficiency in vitamin C is not a direct cause of cavities. Cavities are more closely related to sugar intake and oral hygiene.

3. "Increasing your consumption of leafy green vegetables and tomatoes can help with this." - While a healthy diet including leafy greens and tomatoes is beneficial for overall health, it does not directly address the issue of cavities. The primary cause of cavities is the presence of sugar and bacteria in the mouth.

4. "Drinking sugary beverages can make you prone to cavities." - This statement is correct. Sugary beverages contribute to the formation of cavities because the sugar in these drinks can feed bacteria in the mouth, leading to the production of acid that erodes tooth enamel.

In summary, the most accurate response the nurse should make is to highlight the role of sugary beverages in the development of cavities.