- A
sys.dm_os_wait_stats
Why wrong: Shows wait statistics, not per-query resource usage.
- B
Query Store
Tracks query performance metrics.
- C
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Returns aggregate performance statistics for cached query plans.
- D
sys.dm_db_index_usage_stats
Why wrong: Shows index usage, not query resource consumption.
- E
sys.dm_io_virtual_file_stats
Why wrong: Shows file-level I/O statistics.
Question 183 of 963
Identifying Queries Causing High DTU Consumption in Azure SQL
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.
You are monitoring an Azure SQL Database that is experiencing high DTU consumption. You need to identify the queries that are causing high resource usage. Which two data sources can you use? (Choose two.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Query Store
Query Store (Option B) captures a history of query execution plans and runtime statistics, allowing you to identify queries with high CPU, I/O, or duration. sys.dm_exec_query_stats (Option C) returns aggregate performance statistics for cached query plans, including total CPU time and logical reads, which directly points to resource-intensive queries. Both are valid sources for diagnosing high DTU consumption in Azure SQL Database.
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.
- ✗
sys.dm_os_wait_stats
Why it's wrong here
Shows wait statistics, not per-query resource usage.
- ✓
Query Store
Why this is correct
Tracks query performance metrics.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Why this is correct
Returns aggregate performance statistics for cached query plans.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
sys.dm_db_index_usage_stats
Why it's wrong here
Shows index usage, not query resource consumption.
- ✗
sys.dm_io_virtual_file_stats
Why it's wrong here
Shows file-level I/O statistics.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse wait statistics (sys.dm_os_wait_stats) with query-level performance data, but wait stats show system-wide bottlenecks, not the specific queries causing high DTU.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows wait statistics, not per-query resource usage.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
sys.dm_exec_query_stats exposes per-query aggregates like total_worker_time (CPU) and total_logical_reads, which directly correlate to DTU consumption in Azure SQL Database's DTU model (blending CPU, I/O, and memory). Query Store persists this data across plan changes and service restarts, enabling historical analysis of resource spikes. In practice, combining Query Store's top resource-consuming queries with sys.dm_exec_query_stats' live data helps pinpoint transient vs. persistent high-DTU queries.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-300 question test?
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 Store — Query Store (Option B) captures a history of query execution plans and runtime statistics, allowing you to identify queries with high CPU, I/O, or duration. sys.dm_exec_query_stats (Option C) returns aggregate performance statistics for cached query plans, including total CPU time and logical reads, which directly points to resource-intensive queries. Both are valid sources for diagnosing high DTU consumption in Azure SQL Database.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on DP-300
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Your Azure SQL Database is experiencing high DTU consumption. You need to identify the top resource-consuming queries. What should you do?
hard- ✓ A.Use the Query Store reports in the Azure portal
- B.Use SQL Server Profiler
- C.Create an Extended Events session to capture query events
- D.Query sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Why A: Option A is correct because Query Store in Azure SQL Database provides built-in reports to identify top resource-consuming queries by CPU, IO, and duration, making it the easiest and most direct method. Option B (SQL Server Profiler) is not supported in Azure SQL Database. Option C (Extended Events) is more complex and not the simplest approach for this task. Option D (sys.dm_exec_query_stats) can be used but lacks persistent historical data and is more effort than using Query Store reports.
Variation 2. You are monitoring a critical production Azure SQL Database that is experiencing intermittent query timeouts. The database is configured with the General Purpose service tier. You need to identify the root cause of the timeouts with minimal overhead. What should you review first?
easy- A.Implement automatic tuning to force plan regression fixes.
- B.Increase the database service tier to Business Critical.
- ✓ C.Use sys.dm_exec_query_stats to identify queries with high wait statistics.
- D.Enable Query Store and review the Regressed Queries report.
Why C: Option C is correct because sys.dm_exec_query_stats provides aggregated query performance data, including wait statistics, with minimal overhead. High wait stats often point to resource contention (e.g., CPU, IO) that can cause timeouts. Option A is incorrect: automatic tuning is for addressing plan regression after it's identified, not for initial troubleshooting. Option B is incorrect: increasing the service tier is a reactive scaling measure, not a diagnostic step. Option D is incorrect: Query Store must be enabled to use the Regressed Queries report, and it may not be the first step if not already enabled; sys.dm_exec_query_stats is a lightweight dynamic management view available by default.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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