CPA Nutrition & Dietary Needs 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A petroleum worker exposed to extreme heat on a drilling rig loses electrolytes through sweat. Which electrolyte is most critical to replace to prevent muscle cramps?
- Calcium
- Sodium (Correct answer)
- Iron
- Zinc
Correct answer: Sodium
Sodium is the primary electrolyte lost in sweat and its depletion causes hyponatremia and muscle cramping in heat-exposed workers.
Question 2: During a 12-hour shift on an oil rig in summer, how much water should a worker typically consume per hour during moderate physical activity in the heat?
- 1 cup (8 oz) (Correct answer)
- 2–4 cups (16–32 oz)
- Half a cup (4 oz)
- 5–6 cups (40–48 oz)
Correct answer: 1 cup (8 oz)
OSHA and NIOSH recommend approximately 1 cup (8 oz) of water every 15–20 minutes, totaling about 1 cup per 15–20 minutes during heat exposure.
Question 3: Which type of beverage is LEAST effective for rehydrating a petroleum worker after heavy physical exertion in the field?
- Sports drinks with electrolytes
- Water with a pinch of salt
- Caffeinated energy drinks (Correct answer)
- Diluted fruit juice
Correct answer: Caffeinated energy drinks
Caffeinated energy drinks act as diuretics and can increase fluid loss, making them counterproductive for rehydration after heavy exertion.
Question 4: A field worker notices urine that is dark amber in color. This most likely indicates:
- Adequate hydration
- Dehydration (Correct answer)
- Excess protein intake
- Vitamin B supplementation
Correct answer: Dehydration
Dark amber urine is a reliable field indicator of dehydration; pale yellow urine indicates adequate hydration.
Question 5: Which macronutrient provides the quickest available energy source for petroleum workers engaged in burst-activity tasks like lifting and hauling equipment?
- Dietary fat
- Protein
- Carbohydrates (Correct answer)
- Fiber
Correct answer: Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is the body's fastest and most readily available fuel for high-intensity physical tasks.
Question 6: Heat cramps in oilfield workers are best prevented by:
- Taking iron supplements daily
- Drinking plain water only in large volumes
- Consuming adequate sodium along with fluids (Correct answer)
- Eating high-fat meals before shifts
Correct answer: Consuming adequate sodium along with fluids
Heat cramps are caused by sodium depletion; replacing both fluids and sodium through electrolyte drinks or salted snacks prevents them.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the role of potassium in the diet of physically active petroleum workers?
- It builds bone density to prevent fractures
- It regulates nerve and muscle function and is lost in sweat (Correct answer)
- It primarily aids in fat digestion
- It is the main carrier of oxygen in blood
Correct answer: It regulates nerve and muscle function and is lost in sweat
Potassium is a key electrolyte that supports proper muscle contractions and nerve signals, and significant amounts are lost through sweat during heavy labor.
CPA Nutrition & Dietary Needs 2
A petroleum worker exposed to extreme heat on a drilling rig loses electrolytes through sweat.
Which electrolyte is most critical to replace to prevent muscle cramps?