Which instruction should a nurse provide to a client receiving brachytherapy for prostate cancer?

In the context of brachytherapy for prostate cancer, the instruction to refrain from close contact with others is particularly important due to the use of radioactive materials in the treatment. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive seeds directly into or near the tumor, which can emit radiation. While the radiation exposure decreases significantly over time, there is still a risk of irradiating others, especially in close proximity.

By advising the client to limit close contact, particularly with pregnant women and young children, the nurse is helping to minimize the potential exposure to radiation. This precaution helps ensure the safety of those around the patient while the radioactivity is still present in the body post-treatment. It's vital for the patient to understand the significance of this instruction to safeguard the health of others during the treatment and recovery period.

The other options, while they might be relevant in different contexts, do not address the specific safety concerns directly associated with radiation exposure following brachytherapy. For example, while proper hygiene is important, using bleach for laundry does not provide any significant safety benefit in this scenario.