Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL)?

1. Grocery shopping

2. Managing one's finances

3. Using a telephone and a computer

4. Grooming and hygiene

The correct answer is: Grooming and hygiene

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks that enable an individual to live independently and manage their life in the community. They typically include activities that are not fundamental but are essential for maintaining an independent lifestyle. Examples of IADLs include grocery shopping, managing finances, and using a telephone or computer—activities that require higher cognitive functioning and more complex decision-making than basic self-care tasks. Grooming and hygiene fall into the category of activities of daily living (ADLs), which encompass basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. These tasks represent the fundamental daily needs for personal care and are vital for maintaining physical health and well-being. Therefore, the activity of grooming and hygiene does not align with the definition of instrumental activities of daily living. This distinction helps to clarify the difference between basic self-care and more complex community-based tasks that support independence.