What is the action of a cathartic medication?

A cathartic medication is designed to promote bowel movements, making the correct action associated with such medications to facilitate the evacuation of the bowels. Cathartics work by increasing the movement of the intestines or by altering the consistency of stool, which helps relieve constipation or prepare the digestive tract for medical procedures, such as radiological examinations.

In contrast, medications that enhance heart function or aim to increase body temperature have different pharmacological actions focused on cardiovascular and metabolic responses, respectively. Inducing vomiting relates to emetics, which are entirely different from cathartics, focusing instead on expelling the contents of the stomach rather than the bowels. Thus, the primary role of cathartics is clearly aligned with promoting bowel movements, setting option C as the correct choice.