What condition should the nurse suspect when a client reports a "curtain" over their visual field?

When a client reports experiencing a "curtain" over their visual field, the symptom is highly indicative of retinal detachment. This phenomenon occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, separates from its underlying supportive tissue. The "curtain" sensation often describes the appearance of a shadow or a gray veil that descends over part of the visual field, a direct consequence of the retina being pulled away and losing its connection to the blood supply.

Retinal detachment is a critical condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly. The client's description of the visual disturbance aligns with common presentations of retinal detachment, prompting immediate investigation and intervention by healthcare providers to restore the retina’s position and function.

Other conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy have distinct symptoms and mechanisms that typically do not present as a curtain-like shadow over the visual field. These conditions may involve different aspects of vision such as blurry vision, halos, or gradual vision loss, rather than the acute, alarming sensation described in retinal detachment cases.