Which finding is a contraindication for the administration of terbutaline in a client experiencing preterm labor?

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Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist often used as a tocolytic agent to help manage preterm labor by inhibiting uterine contractions. However, its use is contraindicated in individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions. Heart disease is one of those contraindications because terbutaline can cause cardiovascular side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. This can exacerbate existing heart conditions, potentially leading to complications for both the mother and the fetus.

In contrast, a cervical dilation of 2 cm does not contraindicate the use of terbutaline; many women with cervical changes are still candidates for tocolytic therapy. Similarly, a gestational age of 34 weeks is generally within the range where terbutaline is considered for use, as it's aimed at delaying labor long enough for fetal lung maturity to improve. An allergy to penicillin is not directly relevant to terbutaline usage, as these drugs belong to different classes and do not have overlapping contraindications. Thus, heart disease stands out as a critical contraindication when considering the administration of terbutaline in the context of preterm labor.

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