Quick Answer
The answer is to verify the load balancer configuration first. A misconfigured load balancer can cause intermittent slowdowns by unevenly distributing traffic across web servers, overloading some instances while others remain idle, which auto-scaling alone cannot correct if the distribution algorithm or health checks are faulty. On the CompTIA Cloud+ CV0-004 exam, this question tests your ability to prioritize network-layer issues over deeper application or database symptoms; a common trap is to chase CPU spikes or database query times, but those are often effects, not root causes. Remember that load balancer misconfiguration is a classic source of intermittent slowdowns because it creates a bottleneck that appears and disappears as traffic patterns shift. Memory tip: “Balance before bottleneck” — always check the load balancer’s health checks and distribution method first when slowdowns are sporadic.
This CV0-004 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. 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.
A cloud administrator is troubleshooting a performance issue where a web application experiences intermittent slowdowns. The application is deployed on a public cloud IaaS with auto-scaling. What should the administrator check first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Verify load balancer configuration
Load balancer misconfiguration can cause intermittent failures.
Check CPU utilization of all instances
Why wrong: CPU utilization may not be the root cause if auto-scaling is working.
Analyze database query performance
Why wrong: Database queries are a lower-level check; should start with front-end.
Review network latency between tiers
Why wrong: Network latency is usually consistent, not intermittent.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Verify load balancer configuration
Option D is correct because a misconfigured load balancer can cause uneven traffic distribution, leading to intermittent slowdowns. Option A is wrong because CPU utilization spikes might be a symptom, not the root cause, and auto-scaling should handle it. Option B is wrong because network latency is less likely to be intermittent. Option C is wrong because database queries are a deeper layer to investigate after network and application tiers.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Verify load balancer configuration
Why this is correct
Load balancer misconfiguration can cause intermittent failures.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Check CPU utilization of all instances
Why it's wrong here
CPU utilization may not be the root cause if auto-scaling is working.
Analyze database query performance
Why it's wrong here
Database queries are a lower-level check; should start with front-end.
Review network latency between tiers
Why it's wrong here
Network latency is usually consistent, not intermittent.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CV0-004 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.
What to study next
Identify which CV0-004 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.
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Verify load balancer configuration — Option D is correct because a misconfigured load balancer can cause uneven traffic distribution, leading to intermittent slowdowns. Option A is wrong because CPU utilization spikes might be a symptom, not the root cause, and auto-scaling should handle it. Option B is wrong because network latency is less likely to be intermittent. Option C is wrong because database queries are a deeper layer to investigate after network and application tiers.
Identify which CV0-004 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.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CV0-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CV0-004 exam.
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