Upon a general verdict of a jury, or upon a decision by the court, that a party shall recover only a sum certain or costs or that all relief shall be denied, the clerk, unless the court otherwise orders, shall forthwith, sign, and enter the judgment upon motion of the prevailing party without awaiting any direction by the court. In all other civil cases, the court shall promptly approve the form of the judgment, and the clerk shall thereupon enter it as of the judgment day next following the return of verdict or filing of findings. The entry of judgment shall not prejudice the rights of any party to undertake further proceedings in the same cause on the basis of exceptions previously preserved.