At the end of the impulse there is a phase to put back everything to normal, called as the the refractory period. The refractory period is when the Na+ and K+ are returned to their original sides, that is, Na+ on the outside and K+ on the inside. While the neuron is busy returning everything to normal, it does not respond to any incoming stimuli. After the Na+/K+ pumps return the ions to their original side of the neurons cell membrane, the neuron is back to its normal polarized state and stays in the resting potential until another impulse comes along.