The correct answer is to query sys.dm_exec_query_stats and correlate it with sys.dm_db_resource_stats. This works because sys.dm_db_resource_stats provides per-minute DTU consumption metrics for the entire database, while sys.dm_exec_query_stats tracks cumulative query execution statistics, including CPU, I/O, and memory usage—key components of DTU. By joining these two views on time intervals, you can pinpoint which specific queries are driving DTU spikes during business hours. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between resource-level and query-level diagnostic tools; a common trap is choosing sys.dm_db_resource_stats alone, which shows database-wide DTU but not per-query details. Another trap is using sys.dm_os_waiting_tasks, which reveals blocking and waits, not DTU consumption. For a memory tip, think “Stats for stats”: use resource stats for the big picture, then query stats for the culprits.
DP-300 Practice Question: Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. 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 SQL Database is hitting the DTU limit frequently during business hours. You need to identify which queries are consuming the most DTU. What should you do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Query sys.dm_exec_query_stats and correlate with sys.dm_db_resource_stats.
Option C is correct because sys.dm_db_resource_stats provides DTU consumption per minute, and sys.dm_exec_query_stats can be joined to find top queries. Option A is wrong because it shows resource consumption per database, not per query. Option B is wrong because it shows per minute, but per query requires sys.dm_exec_query_stats. Option D is wrong because it shows waits, not DTU.
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.
✗
Query sys.dm_db_resource_stats to see DTU usage per minute.
Why it's wrong here
Shows DTU per minute, but not which queries.
✗
Use Azure Metrics for SQL Database to view DTU consumption per database.
Why it's wrong here
Metrics show database-level DTU, not per query.
✗
Enable Query Store and review the Wait Statistics report.
Why it's wrong here
Wait stats show waits, not DTU consumption.
✓
Query sys.dm_exec_query_stats and correlate with sys.dm_db_resource_stats.
Why this is correct
Combines query-level CPU and IO with DTU metrics to identify top consumers.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows DTU per minute, but not which queries.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
Identify which DP-300 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.
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Query sys.dm_exec_query_stats and correlate with sys.dm_db_resource_stats. — Option C is correct because sys.dm_db_resource_stats provides DTU consumption per minute, and sys.dm_exec_query_stats can be joined to find top queries. Option A is wrong because it shows resource consumption per database, not per query. Option B is wrong because it shows per minute, but per query requires sys.dm_exec_query_stats. Option D is wrong because it shows waits, not DTU.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which DP-300 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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