Objective To compare chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) nursing care regimens in China with the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). Methods Nursing interventions and activities regarding COPD in China were identified through literature review and clinical observation, then were mapped to the standards derived from the NIC. The standards were made by employing two-round consultation with expert panel. Results The rate of completely matched, partially matched, and completely unmatched nursing interventions was 27.78%, 33.33%, and 38.89% respectively, and that of nursing activities was 25.40%, 58.73%, and 15.87%, respectively. Conclusion NIC terminology is unified with clear nursing interventions and activities, but its specialty and suitability in China for COPD care have shortcoming. There is an urgent need for a unified, standardized, practical and individualized nursing intervention classification system in China.