A nurse assesses a patient with hypertension. Which symptom might suggest a need for further evaluation of target organ damage?

Blurred vision can be a significant symptom that suggests possible target organ damage in a patient with hypertension. This occurs because high blood pressure can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to conditions such as hypertensive retinopathy or other visual impairments. Changes in vision can indicate that the hypertension is severe enough to impact the vascular system and could affect the eyes, which is one of the target organs affected by chronic hypertension. Early identification of such symptoms may prompt timely evaluation and management to prevent further complications.

Insomnia, increased appetite, and fatigue are common symptoms that could be associated with various conditions, including stress or side effects of medication, but they are not specifically indicative of organ damage in the context of hypertension. Focusing on blurred vision as a symptom emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring for complications associated with high blood pressure, particularly the effects on the eyes and other organs.