A nurse manager is talking to a nurse who she suspects has alcohol use disorder. The nurse tells the nurse manager, "I don't have a problem. I'm just tired." The nurse manager should identify that the nurse is using which of the following defense mechanisms?

A. Repression: Repression involves unconsciously blocking unacceptable thoughts or feelings, not denying a problem exists. B. Projection: Projection is attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or behaviors to someone else. C. Rationalization: Rationalization involves justifying a behavior with logical, but false, reasons. D. Denial: Denial involves refusing to acknowledge the reality of a situation, such as the presence of an alcohol use disorder.