urse Aide Practice Exam 2026 - Free Nurse Aide Practice Questions and Study Guide

Eating a meal is a common trigger for the urge to have a bowel movement due to the body's natural physiological response to digestion. When food enters the stomach, it stimulates the digestive system and initiates peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the intestines. This process can increase the urge to defecate, particularly when the rectum fills with stool as a result of the digestive activity.

The other choices, while they may have some relation to bowel habits, do not typically trigger a bowel movement as consistently as eating. For example, having a relaxing evening may promote a sense of well-being but is not directly linked to bowel activity. Drinking large amounts of water can help prevent constipation and support healthy digestion; however, it does not directly trigger the urge to defecate. Bearing down on the toilet is a behavior that occurs during the act of trying to defecate but is not a trigger for the urge itself.