Quick Answer
The answer is sys.dm_pdw_exec_requests, sys.dm_pdw_request_steps, and sys.dm_pdw_sql_requests. These three DMVs for memory intensive queries form a logical chain: sys.dm_pdw_exec_requests identifies the high-level request consuming excessive memory, sys.dm_pdw_request_steps breaks that request into individual execution steps to pinpoint the memory-heavy operation, and sys.dm_pdw_sql_requests reveals the actual distributed SQL queries running on each compute node, allowing you to isolate the specific query causing the resource spike. On the DP-203 exam, this question tests your understanding of Azure Synapse Analytics dedicated SQL pool monitoring, often appearing as a multi-select scenario where you must distinguish between request-level, step-level, and node-level DMVs. A common trap is choosing sys.dm_pdw_resource_waits or sys.dm_pdw_nodes_resource_usage, which show wait statistics and node resource consumption but do not directly identify the memory-intensive query itself. Remember the chain: request → step → SQL, and you will always identify the culprit.
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing. 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.
Your Azure Synapse Analytics dedicated SQL pool is experiencing high resource utilization. You need to identify queries that are consuming excessive memory. Which THREE DMVs should you query?
sys.dm_pdw_sql_requests
Shows SQL operations on distributions.
sys.dm_pdw_nodes_resource_usage
Why wrong: Shows compute node resource usage, not per-query memory.
sys.dm_pdw_request_steps
Shows steps within a request.
sys.dm_pdw_exec_requests
Shows current requests.
sys.dm_pdw_waits
Why wrong: Shows wait states, not memory consumption directly.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
sys.dm_pdw_sql_requests
sys.dm_pdw_exec_requests shows requests, sys.dm_pdw_request_steps shows steps, and sys.dm_pdw_sql_requests shows distributed SQL requests. Option D is for resource waits, Option E is for node resource usage.
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.
sys.dm_pdw_sql_requests
Why this is correct
Shows SQL operations on distributions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
sys.dm_pdw_nodes_resource_usage
Why it's wrong here
Shows compute node resource usage, not per-query memory.
sys.dm_pdw_request_steps
Why this is correct
Shows steps within a request.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
sys.dm_pdw_exec_requests
Why this is correct
Shows current requests.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
sys.dm_pdw_waits
Why it's wrong here
Shows wait states, not memory consumption directly.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows compute node resource usage, not per-query memory.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which DP-203 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
Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — This question tests Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: sys.dm_pdw_sql_requests — sys.dm_pdw_exec_requests shows requests, sys.dm_pdw_request_steps shows steps, and sys.dm_pdw_sql_requests shows distributed SQL requests. Option D is for resource waits, Option E is for node resource usage.
Identify which DP-203 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This DP-203 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 DP-203 exam.
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