Q1. When patients who are receiving glucocorticoid therapy (for in case, with prednisone) need to stop taking it, the doctor will prescribe a series of doses of tapering size to regularly lower the dose rather than suddenly stop it. Explain this dosage strategy in terms of the negative feedback control of cortisol secretion and receptor function in hormonal pathways.
Q2. Both Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Jones had babies the same day in the same hospital. Mrs. Smith took home a baby girl, whom she named Shirley. Mrs. Jones took home a baby girl, whom she named Jane. Mrs. Jones began to suspect, though, that her child and the Smith baby had been accidentally switched in the nursery. Blood tests were made: Mr. Smith was type A; Mrs. Smith type B' Mr. Jones type A; Mrs. Jones type A; Shirley type O; Jane type B. Had a mix-up occurred? Why did you reply the way you did?