Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most common healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in Canada, accounting for approximately 36% of all HAIs and affecting 3–7 per 1,000 catheter-days. Every day an indwelling urinary catheter (Foley) remains in situ, the risk of bacteriuria increases by 3–10%. Beyond infection: Indwelling catheters also cause urethral trauma, catheter-associated bacteremia (urosepsis — mortality 10–30%), bladder deconditioning with urinary incontinence after removal, pressure injury from tubing, and functional decline from restricted mobility. If missed: CAUTI is largely preventable — it is a "never event" in Ontario hospitals when caused by inappropriate catheter use. Urosepsis from CAUTI carries a 10–30% mortality rate in elderly patients. Failure to remove an unnecessary catheter once indications resolve is the most common preventable cause. Top 3 nursing priorities: (1) Question the indication for every catheter DAILY — if no documented indication, advocate for removal; (2) Maintain a closed sterile drainage system without breaks; (3) Recognize early signs of CAUTI and urosepsis to prevent progression to septic shock. NCLEX trap: Students believe that clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) carries the same infection risk as...