What symptoms may indicate the presence of kidney stones?

The presence of kidney stones is primarily indicated by severe pain that typically radiates from the side and back to the lower abdomen and groin. This intense pain occurs due to the movement of stones within the urinary tract, which can cause nerve irritation and significant discomfort. The pain, commonly referred to as renal colic, is often described as sharp and comes in waves, correlating to the stone's movement.

While fever and chills can indicate an infection or other medical concerns, they are not specific symptoms of kidney stones. Nausea and vomiting can occur with various conditions and do not specifically relate to the pain usually associated with kidney stones. Constant dull pain in the lower back might indicate other issues but lacks the severity and radiating character typical of kidney stone pain. Thus, the radiating severe pain is a key symptom that directly connects to the occurrence of kidney stones, making it the most accurate choice in this instance.