The answer is concurrent inserts into a table with a clustered index causing last-page contention. This is correct because PAGELATCH waits specifically indicate contention on in-memory data pages, not on disk I/O or locks; when multiple sessions simultaneously insert rows into a table with a clustered index, they all target the same last page of the index, creating a hot spot that forces threads to wait for a shared latch. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate PAGELATCH from PAGEIOLATCH (which involves disk reads) and from blocking (which involves lock waits). A common trap is confusing latch waits with lock waits or CPU pressure, but remember: latches protect physical page structures, while locks protect logical transactions. For a quick memory tip, think “PAGELATCH = Page Latch = Last Page Hot Spot” to recall that clustered index inserts are the classic culprit.
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.
You are monitoring an Azure SQL Database and notice high PAGELATCH waits. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Concurrent inserts into a table with a clustered index causing last-page contention.
Option A is correct because PAGELATCH waits indicate contention on data pages, often due to concurrent inserts to the same page. Option B is wrong because buffer pool insufficient is PAGEIOLATCH. Option C is wrong because blocking is related to lock waits. Option D is wrong because CPU pressure is not directly related to page latches.
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.
✓
Concurrent inserts into a table with a clustered index causing last-page contention.
Why this is correct
High PAGELATCH waits commonly result from hotspot contention on the last page of an index.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Insufficient buffer pool size leading to frequent reads from disk.
Why it's wrong here
That would cause PAGEIOLATCH waits.
✗
High CPU usage due to inefficient queries.
Why it's wrong here
CPU pressure shows as SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD waits.
✗
Long-running transactions blocking other queries.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking is indicated by wait type LCK_M_*.
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
CPU pressure shows as SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD waits.
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: Concurrent inserts into a table with a clustered index causing last-page contention. — Option A is correct because PAGELATCH waits indicate contention on data pages, often due to concurrent inserts to the same page. Option B is wrong because buffer pool insufficient is PAGEIOLATCH. Option C is wrong because blocking is related to lock waits. Option D is wrong because CPU pressure is not directly related to page latches.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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