Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

What is the preferred method for encouraging healthy bowel movements?

1. Adequate exercise

2. Frequent laxative use

3. High-fat diet

4. Daily caffeine intake

The correct answer is: Adequate exercise

Encouraging healthy bowel movements is best achieved through adequate exercise because physical activity stimulates the digestive system and helps to promote regularity. Exercise increases intestinal activity, enhances the ability of the intestinal muscles to contract, and can speed up the movement of waste through the digestive tract. This can help to prevent constipation and improve overall gastrointestinal health. On the other hand, frequent laxative use can lead to dependency, where the bowel becomes reliant on stimulants for movement. A high-fat diet may not provide the sufficient fiber necessary for healthy bowel function and could actually lead to constipation in some individuals. Daily caffeine intake can have diuretic effects and may lead to dehydration, which can worsen bowel issues rather than help them. Thus, focusing on adequate exercise is a natural and effective approach to maintaining healthy bowel movements.