Abstract：Objective：To observe the nursing effect of external application of raw radix et rhizome rhei combined with natrii sulfas for acute pancreatitis complicated with abdominal distension. Methods：A total of 89 cases of patients with acute pancreatitis were divided into two groups according to the random number table method，44 and 45 cases in each group respectively. The control group was given routine symptomatic treatment，and the observation group was additionally treated with external application of raw radix et rhizome rhei combined with natrii sulfas based on the treatment of the control group. Before and after intervention， the score of abdominal distension， and the changes in intra- abdominal pressure were compared between the two groups. After intervention，the remission time of abdominal pain，the recovery time of intestinal sound and exhaust， the time of first defecation， and the average hospitalization time were compared between the two groups. Results：On the 1st，7th and 14th days of treatment，the scores of abdominal distension in the observation group were lower than those in the control group，the difference being significant(P＜0.05). On the 1st，7th and 14th days of treatment， the intra- abdominal pressure in the observation group was lower than that in the control group， the difference being significant(P＜0.05). After intervention， the remission time of abdominal pain， the recovery time of intestinal sound and exhaust，the time of first defecation in the observation group were earlier than those in the control group，and the average hospitalization time in the observation group was shorter，the difference being significant(P＜0.05). Conclusion：For patients with acute pancreatitis， the external application of raw radix et rhizome rhei combined with natrii sulfas and nursing can effectively improve abdominal distension and pain，reduce intra- abdominal pressure，promote the first defecation and the recovery of intestinal sound and exhaust，and shorten average hospitalization time.