During an abdominal ultrasound, what is primarily assessed to evaluate kidney health?

During an abdominal ultrasound, the primary assessment to evaluate kidney health focuses on identifying the presence of stones or cysts within the kidneys. This assessment is crucial because the presence of stones can indicate conditions such as nephrolithiasis, which can lead to complications like obstruction or infection. Cysts may also be significant, as simple renal cysts are common and usually benign, while complex cysts could suggest underlying pathologies, including tumors.

Evaluating kidney health through ultrasound involves looking not only at the presence of these abnormalities but also at their size and characteristics, as these factors can influence diagnosis and treatment options. Monitoring renal structure and identifying possible obstructions or masses are key factors in the overall assessment of kidney function and health.

While the other choices involve important aspects of abdominal organ imaging, they do not directly pertain to the primary evaluation of kidneys. The liver, aorta, and pancreas assessments may provide additional context in a comprehensive abdominal examination but are not the main focus when specifically assessing kidney health.