Final answer:
If a patient has muscle pain, red urine, and an elevated leukocyte esterase, appropriate lab tests to order include a urinalysis and a urine culture to check for urinary tract infections. Given the symptoms, it may also be wise to check for rhabdomyolysis, that could be indicated by the presence of myoglobin in urine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considering the symptoms of muscle pain, red urine and elevated leukocyte esterase, it is likely that the patient could be suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a condition causing hematuria (blood in the urine). The most suitable lab tests to order in this situation would be a urinalysis and a urine culture.
Urinalysis can detect abnormalities such as the presence of leukocyte esterase, nitrites, protein, or blood which can indicate an active bacterial infection. A urine culture can provide a more specific diagnosis, identifying the type of bacteria causing the infection and helping to guide the most effective treatment plan.
Additionally, due to the presence of muscle pain and red urine, it may also be appropriate to check for rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, leading to the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream. Myoglobin can cause the urine to turn red or brown. This could involve ordering a blood test to measure levels of the enzyme creatine kinase, which is released into the bloodstream when muscle damage occurs.
Learn more about Urinary Tests