Which criterion is NOT associated with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis?

In the context of diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the correct option is associated with features that do not typically align with the disease's characteristic presentation. Unilateral joint involvement is generally not a criterion for RA, which tends to present symmetrically. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects multiple joints on both sides of the body, and its involvement is often bilateral, which distinguishes it from some other forms of arthritis that might present unilaterally or asymmetrically.

The other criteria mentioned in the options—morning stiffness lasting more than one hour, arthritis of three or more joints, and the presence of rheumatoid nodules—are all well-established indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. The prolonged morning stiffness is a hallmark feature, reflecting the inflammatory nature of the condition. Simultaneously, involvement of multiple joints and the development of nodules are significant clinical manifestations that align with RA diagnosis criteria.