HHS
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Endocrinehigh priorityneeds review
HHS
Also testable as: Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Severe hyperglycemia and dehydration, often in type 2 diabetes with infection or poor intake.
- Extreme glucose causes osmotic diuresis and high serum osmolality without prominent ketoacidosis.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Insulins | Used after fluid and electrolyte evaluation per protocol. |
Nursing actions
- Assess profound dehydration, mental status, and infection signs.
- Administer fluids and monitor electrolytes/glucose per protocol.
- Prevent falls and skin breakdown.
Complications
- Shock
- Seizures
- Thrombosis
- Coma
NCLEX cues
- Very high glucose, high osmolality, little/no ketones.
- Altered mental status from dehydration/osmolality.
Memory hooks
- HHS is high, hot, and horribly dry.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.