Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

When preparing a proposal for new equipment, what should a CDM do first?

1. Check with maintenance regarding space and power needs

2. Request quotes from multiple vendors

3. Consult with the dietary staff about preferences

4. Review the budget for available funds

The correct answer is: Check with maintenance regarding space and power needs

When preparing a proposal for new equipment, the first step a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) should take is to check with maintenance regarding space and power needs. This is crucial because before proceeding with any equipment purchase, it is essential to ensure that the facility has adequate space for the new equipment and that it can be accommodated within the existing power supply capacity. By consulting with maintenance first, the CDM can avoid potential issues related to space limitations or power requirements that could arise later in the process. Option B, requesting quotes from multiple vendors, is important but typically comes after ensuring that the facility can accommodate the new equipment. Option C, consulting with dietary staff about preferences, may be considered later in the process once the feasibility of the equipment has been confirmed. Option D, reviewing the budget for available funds, is also important but should be done after the initial assessment of space and power needs to ensure that the proposed equipment can be accommodated within the budget constraints.