Final answer:
When a nurse applies restraints without patient's permission or a physician's order, they may be guilty of battery, as it involves unauthorized contact or handling of a patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse puts restraints on a patient without the patient's permission and without a physician's order, this action may be considered battery. Battery in a legal sense involves the unauthorized touching or handling of another person's body. This can include situations where a patient is restrained and such restraints prevent them from moving freely. Restraints should only be used when they are medically necessary and with the proper consent and order from a healthcare provider. The use of restraints in other situations could lead to a nurse facing legal action for battery.