The R's won their first match in 11 attempts against MK Dons in midweek, with Danny Gabbidon's header securing progress from their FA Cup third round replay.
QPR will be looking for back-to-back victories when fellow strugglers Wigan come to Loftus Road on Saturday, which Hughes hopes can act as a catalyst to further success.
"We are all mindful of significance of the game," the Welshman said. "It is not only this one but maybe the next six, seven or eight games to be perfectly honest. They are key to how our season will progress.
"If we can get a positive result at the weekend then that will sustain us for the games we have ahead of us.
"We have a difficult run in and we are mindful of that. We need to get points on the board.
"I think if we do that, that will obviously mean an improvement in performances and confidence.
"That will help us going into a difficult period against more accomplished teams in the Premier League.
"If we can start winning now, it will only help the boys."
QPR will welcome back skipper Joey Barton after suspension on Saturday, although are unlikely to complete any signings in time to feature.
Sao Paulo striker Henrique, Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha and AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo are all believed to be close to signing.
Chelsea's Alex is another potential addition and Hughes believes such signings will boost the Hoops.
"I think [signing players] is important," he said. "We have lost a key player in Alejandro Faurlin, who I was really looking forward to working with.
"It is a real shame that he is going to be out for a significant amount of time, which is a big blow for us.
"We have good players away on international duty and we don't know when Adel Taarabt and Armand Traore are going to be back.
"It is a difficult time so we just have to make sure we are strong enough in the interim to get through these games, which is a crucial period for us.
"We're going up against teams that are in and around us and we need to pick up points quickly.
"If we can get business done quickly, that will help the group."
Hughes admits he has yet to evaluate the full QPR squad after replacing Neil Warnock at the helm less than two weeks ago.
Earlier in the season several senior professionals were left out the 25-man Premier League squad by his predecessor and new signings will see more miss out.
Hughes, though, insists he is in no rush to shift any players and wants to give those on the fringe a chance to impress.
"I am not looking to get rid at the moment," he said. "At the moment I am just looking to get a real understanding of what I have got in the building.
"I have not had that many opportunities to see the fringe players because obviously we have been concentrating on the two games we've had to play and prepare for.
"Certainly in the next couple of weeks I will make decisions and players no doubt will want their futures clarified.
"Those conversations will take place towards the end of the window I would suggest."
