The correct answer is that high total_logical_reads indicates the query is reading many pages from the buffer pool, often due to missing indexes or inefficient query plans. In Azure SQL Database, logical reads count every page access from the buffer pool, whether cached or not, so a high value means the query engine is scanning or seeking through far more data pages than necessary—a classic symptom of a missing nonclustered index or a poorly written join. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this metric frequently appears in performance troubleshooting scenarios, where you must distinguish it from worker_time (CPU) or physical reads (I/O). A common trap is confusing high logical reads with I/O pressure; remember that logical reads measure memory-level page accesses, not disk activity. Memory tip: “Logical reads = lazy scans; if it’s high, your index is missing the ‘where’ and ‘join’ clues.”
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
SELECT
plan_handle,
execution_count,
total_worker_time,
total_logical_reads,
total_elapsed_time
FROM sys.dm_exec_query_stats
ORDER BY total_logical_reads DESC;
You are analyzing query performance in an Azure SQL Database. The query in the exhibit returns a list of queries ordered by total_logical_reads. What does high total_logical_reads typically indicate?
Refer to the exhibit.
SELECT
plan_handle,
execution_count,
total_worker_time,
total_logical_reads,
total_elapsed_time
FROM sys.dm_exec_query_stats
ORDER BY total_logical_reads DESC;
A
The query is experiencing I/O latency
Why wrong: I/O latency is indicated by waits, not logical reads.
B
The query is using a lot of CPU time
Why wrong: CPU time is measured by total_worker_time.
C
The query is using a lot of memory
Why wrong: Logical reads can increase memory usage but not directly indicate memory.
D
The query is reading many pages from the buffer pool, possibly due to missing indexes
Logical reads are page reads from the buffer pool, high values indicate excessive data access.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The query is reading many pages from the buffer pool, possibly due to missing indexes
High logical reads often indicate that queries are reading more data than necessary, possibly due to missing indexes or inefficient queries. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because CPU time is measured by worker_time. Option C is wrong because high logical reads can increase memory usage. Option D is wrong because it does not indicate I/O directly.
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.
✗
The query is experiencing I/O latency
Why it's wrong here
I/O latency is indicated by waits, not logical reads.
✗
The query is using a lot of CPU time
Why it's wrong here
CPU time is measured by total_worker_time.
✗
The query is using a lot of memory
Why it's wrong here
Logical reads can increase memory usage but not directly indicate memory.
✓
The query is reading many pages from the buffer pool, possibly due to missing indexes
Why this is correct
Logical reads are page reads from the buffer pool, high values indicate excessive data access.
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 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: The query is reading many pages from the buffer pool, possibly due to missing indexes — High logical reads often indicate that queries are reading more data than necessary, possibly due to missing indexes or inefficient queries. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because CPU time is measured by worker_time. Option C is wrong because high logical reads can increase memory usage. Option D is wrong because it does not indicate I/O directly.
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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