- A
Add a clustered index on AppointmentID.
Why wrong: A clustered index on AppointmentID is useful for queries that search by the primary key, but does not directly support the filter on DoctorID and AppointmentDate.
- B
Add a nonclustered index on (DoctorID, AppointmentDate).
This composite index allows the query to first seek on the equality column (DoctorID) and then efficiently scan the range of AppointmentDate within that doctor's rows.
- C
Add a columnstore index on the Status column.
Why wrong: Columnstore indexes are designed for large fact tables and aggregations, not for filtering single rows or small ranges by multiple columns.
- D
Add a nonclustered index on (AppointmentDate, DoctorID).
Why wrong: Because AppointmentDate is used with a range filter, placing it first in the index reduces the benefit of the equality filter on DoctorID, likely requiring more index rows to be scanned.
DP-900 Practice Question: Identify considerations for relational data on Azure
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of identify considerations for relational data on azure. 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.
A hospital uses Azure SQL Database to store patient appointment records. The 'Appointments' table has columns: AppointmentID (primary key), PatientID, DoctorID, AppointmentDate, and Status. Queries frequently filter by DoctorID (equality) and AppointmentDate (range) to retrieve a doctor's schedule. Currently, these queries are slow. Which index strategy will most improve performance for these queries?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
Add a nonclustered index on (DoctorID, AppointmentDate).
Option B is correct because a nonclustered index on (DoctorID, AppointmentDate) supports both equality filtering on DoctorID and range filtering on AppointmentDate. This index structure allows SQL Server to perform a single index seek for the doctor, then a range scan within that doctor's appointments, avoiding a full table scan. The order of columns matters: the leading column (DoctorID) handles the equality predicate, and the second column (AppointmentDate) handles the range predicate efficiently.
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.
- ✗
Add a clustered index on AppointmentID.
Why it's wrong here
A clustered index on AppointmentID is useful for queries that search by the primary key, but does not directly support the filter on DoctorID and AppointmentDate.
- ✓
Add a nonclustered index on (DoctorID, AppointmentDate).
Why this is correct
This composite index allows the query to first seek on the equality column (DoctorID) and then efficiently scan the range of AppointmentDate within that doctor's rows.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Add a columnstore index on the Status column.
Why it's wrong here
Columnstore indexes are designed for large fact tables and aggregations, not for filtering single rows or small ranges by multiple columns.
- ✗
Add a nonclustered index on (AppointmentDate, DoctorID).
Why it's wrong here
Because AppointmentDate is used with a range filter, placing it first in the index reduces the benefit of the equality filter on DoctorID, likely requiring more index rows to be scanned.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often think the date column should be first because it's a range query, but the correct strategy is to place the equality column first to minimize the scan range, then the range column second for efficient filtering.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, SQL Server uses a B-tree structure for nonclustered indexes. When the index is ordered by (DoctorID, AppointmentDate), the engine can seek directly to the first row for a given DoctorID and then perform a range scan on AppointmentDate, reading only the relevant rows. In contrast, an index on (AppointmentDate, DoctorID) would require a range scan on the date column first, then a residual predicate check on DoctorID, potentially scanning many more rows. This is a classic example of the 'leading column for equality' rule in composite index design.
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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — This question tests Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a nonclustered index on (DoctorID, AppointmentDate). — Option B is correct because a nonclustered index on (DoctorID, AppointmentDate) supports both equality filtering on DoctorID and range filtering on AppointmentDate. This index structure allows SQL Server to perform a single index seek for the doctor, then a range scan within that doctor's appointments, avoiding a full table scan. The order of columns matters: the leading column (DoctorID) handles the equality predicate, and the second column (AppointmentDate) handles the range predicate efficiently.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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