Final answer:
The nurse committed the tort of battery by cutting the patient's hair without their consent, causing distress to the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse committed the tort of battery by cutting the unconscious patient's long hair without obtaining their consent. Battery is the intentional and harmful or offensive contact with another person without their consent. In this case, the nurse's action of cutting the patient's hair without their knowledge or permission caused distress to the patient.
To avoid committing battery, healthcare professionals should always obtain informed consent from patients before performing any procedures or actions that may affect their physical appearance or personal autonomy.
Keywords: tort, battery, consent, healthcare professionals, informed consent