Which of the following tasks is considered an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL)?

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) refer to tasks that are not essential for basic functioning but are necessary for an individual to live independently in the community. These tasks typically require more complex cognitive skills and are important for maintaining one's quality of life and independence.

Food preparation is classified as an IADL because it involves planning, cooking, and serving meals, which are more complex than basic self-care tasks. This activity requires the ability to follow recipes, manage time effectively, and handle budgets for groceries, making it a critical skill for independent living.

In contrast, bathing, dressing, and toileting are considered activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs are basic self-care tasks that relate directly to personal hygiene and physical mobility. While essential for personal care, they do not encompass the same level of planning and complexity as IADLs. Hence, food preparation stands out as the correct example of an instrumental activity of daily living.