A client states, "I know I'm going to fail this test, so why even study?" The nurse recognizes this as an example of which defense mechanism?

A. Rationalization involves the client justifying not studying by creating a logical reason ("I’m going to fail anyway") to avoid the anxiety of failure. B. Denial involves refusing to accept reality, which is different from this statement. C. Projection is attributing one’s own feelings to others, which is not shown here. D. Regression involves reverting to earlier behaviors, which is not demonstrated in this example.