According to ISA 570, what must an auditor assess regarding going concern?

The correct choice highlights the auditor's responsibility to assess the existence of material uncertainty related to an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. ISA 570 requires auditors to evaluate whether there are significant doubts about the entity's ability to operate for the foreseeable future, typically considered to be at least 12 months from the date of the financial statements.

This involves looking at various factors that could affect future operational capability, such as cash flow forecasts, the company's financial health, and any potential risks that may impact its operations. If material uncertainties are identified, the auditor must consider the adequacy of disclosures in the financial statements regarding these uncertainties. Emphasizing this aspect is critical, as it directly affects users' understanding of the financial position and operational viability of the entity.

In contrast, while assessing the overall financial health, operating efficiency, and ethical compliance may be relevant to an audit, they do not specifically address the existence of material uncertainty regarding going concern status as outlined in ISA 570. Thus, the focus of the auditor's assessment should be centered on potential uncertainties that could impede the entity's ability to continue its operations in the foreseeable future.