Quick Answer
The answer is to call ReadItemAsync with the partition key and document ID. This is correct because a point read in Cosmos DB directly accesses a single document by its unique combination of partition key and ID, consuming the absolute minimum Request Units (RUs) possible—typically just 1 RU for a 1KB document. In contrast, using a query like QueryAsync forces the engine to parse, plan, and execute a query across the partition, which is far more expensive and slower. On the AZ-204 exam, this question tests your understanding of Cosmos DB’s cost optimization and performance tiers; a common trap is choosing a query-based method because it looks similar, but the exam emphasizes that point reads are the cheapest and fastest operation when you have both keys. Remember the memory tip: "Point read, one seed—partition key and ID is all you need."
This AZ-204 practice question tests your understanding of connect to and consume azure services and third-party services. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
You are developing a web application that uses Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL. You need to perform a point read by document ID and partition key. Which API method should you use to achieve the best performance and lowest cost?
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.
Call ReadItemAsync with the partition key and document ID.
Point read via ReadItemAsync is the most efficient.
Call QueryAsync with a SQL query that filters by ID.
Why wrong: Queries consume more RUs than point reads.
Call CreateItemAsync and check for conflict.
Why wrong: CreateItemAsync is for creating, not reading.
Call ReadManyAsync with a list of IDs.
Why wrong: ReadManyAsync is for multiple items, not single point read.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Call ReadItemAsync with the partition key and document ID.
Point reads in Cosmos DB are the most efficient way to retrieve a single document when you know both the partition key and the ID. Option A is correct because ReadItemAsync is designed for point reads and consumes minimal RUs. Option B is incorrect because QueryAsync with a filter requires a query execution, which is more expensive. Option C is incorrect because ReadManyAsync is for reading multiple items by ID. Option D is incorrect because CreateItemAsync is for creating items, not reading.
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.
Call ReadItemAsync with the partition key and document ID.
Why this is correct
Point read via ReadItemAsync is the most efficient.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Call QueryAsync with a SQL query that filters by ID.
Why it's wrong here
Queries consume more RUs than point reads.
Call CreateItemAsync and check for conflict.
Why it's wrong here
CreateItemAsync is for creating, not reading.
Call ReadManyAsync with a list of IDs.
Why it's wrong here
ReadManyAsync is for multiple items, not single point read.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Identify which AZ-204 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.
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FAQ
Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services — This question tests Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Call ReadItemAsync with the partition key and document ID. — Point reads in Cosmos DB are the most efficient way to retrieve a single document when you know both the partition key and the ID. Option A is correct because ReadItemAsync is designed for point reads and consumes minimal RUs. Option B is incorrect because QueryAsync with a filter requires a query execution, which is more expensive. Option C is incorrect because ReadManyAsync is for reading multiple items by ID. Option D is incorrect because CreateItemAsync is for creating items, not reading.
Identify which AZ-204 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: "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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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