Scrapes on a child's hands and knees that are oozing a small amount of blood are referred to as ____.

The correct answer is abrasions. Abrasions are superficial injuries that occur when the skin is scraped or rubbed off, resulting in a wound that typically involves the top layer of skin. In the case described, the scrapes on the child's hands and knees that are oozing a small amount of blood clearly fit this definition, as they are not deep and primarily affect the outermost skin layers.

This type of injury often occurs from falls or contact with rough surfaces, making it quite common in children who frequently play and explore. The presence of a small amount of blood indicates that the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis, may be slightly affected, but it is not significant enough to classify the injury as anything deeper. Understanding the characteristics of abrasions is crucial for providing appropriate first aid, such as cleaning the area to prevent infection and applying a bandage if necessary.