The answer is to add the blocker to the issue log and work with the other team to resolve it. This is correct because a blocked dependency that was not previously identified represents a new, unplanned impediment that must be formally captured and managed; the issue log is the project management tool specifically designed to document, track, and assign ownership for such problems. On the PMP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Monitor and Control Project Work process, where the issue log serves as a critical input for managing risks and dependencies that surface during execution. A common trap is to immediately escalate or bypass documentation, but the PM’s role is to first log the issue to ensure visibility and accountability before coordinating resolution. Memory tip: When you see a new dependency block, think “Log it before you solve it”—documentation always precedes action in project management.
PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of process — managing technical aspects. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a daily standup, a developer mentions she is blocked by a dependency from another team. The issue was not previously identified. As the project manager, what is the BEST action?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add the blocker to the issue log and work with the other team to resolve it.
The PM should ensure the issue is documented and addressed. Option A is correct because the issue log is the proper tool. Option B delays; Option C is not the PM's role; Option D bypasses documentation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Remove the dependency by reassigning the work to a different developer.
Why it's wrong here
This may not be feasible and bypasses proper resolution.
✗
Ask the developer to find a workaround and report back tomorrow.
Why it's wrong here
This ignores the issue log and proactive management.
✗
Tell the developer to escalate the issue to the other team's manager directly.
Why it's wrong here
The PM should facilitate resolution, not delegate escalation without coordination.
✓
Add the blocker to the issue log and work with the other team to resolve it.
Why this is correct
Issues should be logged and managed proactively.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PMP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PMP question in full detail.
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Process — Managing Technical Aspects — This question tests Process — Managing Technical Aspects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add the blocker to the issue log and work with the other team to resolve it. — The PM should ensure the issue is documented and addressed. Option A is correct because the issue log is the proper tool. Option B delays; Option C is not the PM's role; Option D bypasses documentation.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a daily standup, a developer mentions that they are blocked due to a missing API from a third-party vendor. The vendor had promised delivery two days ago. What should the project manager do FIRST?
easy
✓ A.Check the risk register for any identified risk response related to vendor delays.
B.Contact the vendor to understand the delay and expedite delivery.
C.Escalate the issue to senior management immediately.
D.Ask the developer to work on other tasks until the API is available.
Why A: The PM should first check the risk register to see if this vendor delay was identified as a risk, and review the planned response. This is a proactive step before taking further action.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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This PMP practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PMP exam.
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