A project manager is leading a software development project.

The correct answer is C because the scenario requires disciplined risk management rather than an immediate, informal, or purely administrative reaction. The selected response — C. Assess the impact of the change to understand the risks involved. — directly addresses the condition described in the question and keeps the project aligned with authorized objectives. PMBOK-aligned practice requires the project manager to identify the event or uncertainty, assess probability and impact, document ownership, and select a response that protects project objectives. This is especially important when project constraints, stakeholder expectations, quality expectations, delivery cadence, or business value may be affected. The competing options are weaker because they either bypass the accountable role, defer action without analysis, escalate before the project manager has prepared decision-quality information, or solve a symptom without correcting the underlying process issue. The selected answer also preserves transparency, ownership, and traceability, which are essential for sound project governance and effective delivery. PMBOK® Guide Eighth Edition topics: process, risk management, stakeholder communication, impact analysis, governance, value delivery, and continuous improvement.