You are an RN working in the emergency department (ED) at a major hospital in New York City. During one shift, you see two patients who are exhibiting coughing with blood-containing sputum, and shortness of breath. Both patients report that they have experienced headaches, muscle aches, high fever, confusion, and shaking chills in the days preceding their ED visit. One of the patients also has some digestive tract symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. You discover that the patients live in the same apartment building, although they do not know each other. You suspect that they have a type of pneumonia, and given the circumstances, think it may be legionellosis. You read up on this disease to refresh your memory about it.
-Which of the following is/are a reservoir(s) for L. pneumophila?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Legionella pneumophila can be found in freshwater streams and in the biofilm of cooling towers, making them a reservoir for the bacteria. Insects, animals, and marine environments are not known reservoirs for L. pneumophila, and while humans can be infected with the bacteria, they are not considered to be a reservoir in the same way that cooling towers and freshwater streams are.

You Are an RN Working in the Emergency Department (ED)