A nurse in an urgent care facility is caring for a client who has traumatic injuries following an assault. The client sits quietly and calmly tells the nurse, "I'm fine." The nurse should recognize the client's behavior as which of the following reactions?

Choice A reason: Denial is a defense mechanism where the client refuses to acknowledge the reality of a traumatic event. Sitting calmly and claiming to be "fine" despite visible injuries reflects denial, as the client is minimizing or rejecting the seriousness of the situation. Choice B reason: Undoing involves attempting to reverse or "make up for" a behavior or thought, often through symbolic actions. This is not evident in the client’s response. Choice C reason: Displacement occurs when emotions are redirected from the original source to a safer target. The client is not redirecting anger or fear but instead denying the trauma. Choice D reason: Projection involves attributing one’s own feelings or thoughts to others. The client is not projecting but denying their own reality.