Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is:
c. Deaconesses
In the context of the church, women who were selected by bishops to provide care to the sick were historically called deaconesses. Deaconesses were women who served in various roles within the early Christian church, including ministering to the sick, the poor, and other charitable works. They played a significant role in providing care and support within the community, particularly to those in need of medical assistance. The term "nurses" (option b) is a more general and contemporary term that refers to healthcare professionals who provide medical care and support to patients in various settings.