The answer is to use OPTIMIZE_FOR_SEQUENTIAL_KEY, implement partitioning, and apply hash or round-robin distributions. These three measures directly reduce PAGELATCH_EX waits by alleviating contention on the last page of an index, which typically occurs during high-volume sequential inserts. PAGELATCH_EX waits are a classic performance bottleneck in Azure SQL Database when multiple sessions compete to write to the same index leaf page, and these options spread the write load across multiple pages or structures. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of index tuning and concurrency management, often appearing as a troubleshooting question where common traps include mistakenly choosing increased MAXDOP or snapshot isolation. Remember, increasing MAXDOP can worsen contention by forcing more parallel workers to fight over the same page, while snapshot isolation addresses read consistency, not write latch contention. Memory tip: think "SPH" for Sequential key, Partitioning, and Hash distribution to conquer the last-page bottleneck.
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. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 troubleshooting a performance issue on an Azure SQL Database. The database is experiencing high PAGELATCH_EX waits. Which THREE measures can help reduce these waits?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a hash distribution or round-robin distribution in a table design
PAGELATCH_EX waits are due to contention on the last page of indexes (often due to sequential inserts). Using OPTIMIZE_FOR_SEQUENTIAL_KEY, partitioning, and using hash or round-robin distributions can reduce contention. Option A, B, and C are correct. Option D is wrong because increasing MAXDOP may increase contention. Option E is wrong because snapshot isolation does not directly reduce PAGELATCH_EX.
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.
✓
Use a hash distribution or round-robin distribution in a table design
Why this is correct
Distributes data to reduce hot spots.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase MAXDOP for the queries
Why it's wrong here
Increasing MAXDOP may increase parallelism and contention.
✓
Partition the table to distribute inserts
Why this is correct
Spreads insert activity across multiple pages.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Use OPTIMIZE_FOR_SEQUENTIAL_KEY index option
Why this is correct
Reduces contention on the last page for sequential inserts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable snapshot isolation level
Why it's wrong here
Snapshot isolation reduces blocking but not PAGELATCH_EX waits.
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: Use a hash distribution or round-robin distribution in a table design — PAGELATCH_EX waits are due to contention on the last page of indexes (often due to sequential inserts). Using OPTIMIZE_FOR_SEQUENTIAL_KEY, partitioning, and using hash or round-robin distributions can reduce contention. Option A, B, and C are correct. Option D is wrong because increasing MAXDOP may increase contention. Option E is wrong because snapshot isolation does not directly reduce PAGELATCH_EX.
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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